John Lennon...what he said

The St Regis Hotel, is one of those hotels where any excuse to visit is a good one - A Forbes five star, AAA five Diamond luxury hotel who's first address was on Fifth Avenue, four blocks from Central Park in Manhattan. Built by one of the wealthiest men in America, John Jacob Astor (yes, you're thinking correctly-He was on the Titanic) also half owner of its sister hotel, The Waldorf Astoria - this place is synonymous with elegance, glamour, and luxury.  But what peaked my interest in this hedonistic megastructure was when I read in mid November  2011 that it was Forbes's most anticipated opening of 2012 (in all of the United States), for all its seductive amenities. After all, where else in South Florida can you have a five-star in-room dinner party excuted by your St. Regis butler?

My visit began with a change of plans really. I was headed to the Delano to try out their new Italian venture. I'd heard from a colleague that after dining there, you felt like a unicorn shitting truffles. But as fate would have it, on the way to South Beach, I brought up the St. Regis in conversation...SWITCH! In a few seconds we were headed 90 blocks north on Collins Avenue. As the great John Lennon said, "Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans."

We arrived to the hotel that's located excatly across the Bal Harbour Shops - how appropriate. After a welcoming greeting by the valet gentlemen, we slowly walked into the lobby where a giant crystal chandelier lit up interchanging walls of marble, mirrors, and crystal. The chandelier made by a reknown artist is actually called a suspended "Silver Cloud" - a lit up masterpiece of real rock crystals. You can't help but look like a little lost puppy gazing in every direction as you make your way down the long hallway toward JG Grill. 

And this brings us to the next utopia..yes JG grill at the St. Regis. Also known as "The land of milk and honey" , the "Elysian Fields", "Arcadia" , "Shangri-La" , the "Garden of Eden"  .. I don't know even know what to call this foodie-wonderland except maybe paradise- perfected. We walked into a chic, grand, dining room with floor to ceiling panoramic windows that over-look the prestine waters of the Atlantic ocean decorated with lush tropical palm trees we are blessed with in South Florida. Talk about a view! And in my opinion sceneries like that always deserve a  nice bottle of Champagne - Ruinart Blanc de Blancs happens to be my favorite. We recieved our Champagne and quickly asked the following appropriate question, "Would you by any chance, serve caviar, maybe from your dinner menu?" After a long explaination and searching for the caviar, as it turned out they only had one in stock: Osetra. Osetra caviar (Russian elite) is one of the most prized and expensive caviars in the world today. But with a view like that, Champagne that good, and company like no other, who in the right mind could deny the bon vivant moment? The caviar arrived at the table on ice with the mother-of-pearl spoon and a dish that was spectacular all its own: Poached/crispy eggs (sous vide) with buttery brioche battonettes.  This was truly an epicurean debauchery. Champagne, caviar, and.....truffles. Yes, the mindblowing trifecta...

We continued with a black truffle and fontina pizza and a burger with truffle and brie. I feel dirty even writing this. Remembering this lunch makes me feel like I'm watching porn. At one point, the truffle was dripping off the pizza and on to the truffled burger. Come on! We were actually giggling at the table saying when anyone asks us what we ate for lunch, we'd say "pizza and a burger" . Only this pizza and burger was stripped of its all American humbleness and dressed in French opulence. We finished our bottle of Champagne and ordered two more glasses to accompany dessert: Smores. Once again, not your run-of-the mill Smores and definetly not the ones we had in summer camp. This was decadent, silky, crunchy, salty, sweet....simply flawless. And so was this magnificent lunch.

To me, there is something enchanting about sharing a meal like this with someone special, it captivates us for the time being, and takes us to a place where there's a thrill in a bite, a giggle, a sip. We could have gone somewhere else for lunch and none of this would have ever happened... but hey, "Life is what happens when we're busy making other plans." 

5 O'clock

If last Monday was an episode from a slightly twisted travel reality show, it would have been in my opinion, one of the best shot - best edited episodes ever. It helped that we were in what cinematographers call a "shot rich environment" - where it seems that everywhere you point, there are bright colors, plush landscape, beaming sun, characters, beautiful things, and mainly- a beautiful person. Where the food is thought of by many to be among the best in Miami, and the Champagne thought of by me, to be top notch. I think you'll see why, the Fontainebleau and my time spent there, is the kind of place that ruined me for an ordinary life.

Nestled between South Beach and Miami Beach, big, bright and white, sits this monster hotel that seduces you and at the same time, overwhelms you of all good things and vices- an adult playground where the scenery, sounds, smells, and tastes simply invigorate you. A place where you shouldn't have to leave by a certain time, because there, time will have it's way with you.

 "Let me know when it's 4 o'clock," I said ...to be continued...................

"The happiest place on Earth isn't Disney"

It's easy to over-romaticize the unspoiled...moments taken or stolen, arrested in time, immaculate forever. Basically, unf***ed. On any given day, there's not much to say about a typical lunch ranging anywhere from fifteen minutes to two hours. Some grab a bag of chips and call it a day, while others pick and choose between salads, dressings on the side, and bottled highly marketable green teas. Thankfully, neither of those is me and thankfully ,there is way too much to say about a lunch that still has me daydreaming of that day, of that meal, in times where I shouldn't. Just yesterday, I was doing an interview for a highly acclaimed Spanish magazine, and honestly, while the lady interveiwing me was bouncing back and forth between questions I've answered a million times (how did you do all this? etc, etc,) I was completely taken by my thoughts of this lunch. All of a sudden she became mute, and I was reliving every bite- every minute. I felt like I was an awkward teenager thinking dirty thoughts, or like having a crush on my gym teacher at 14, or reading my older cousin's diary. Lingering mental pictures of this lunch pierced through any concentration I could gather up. So what is this place you might ask...

It all began in a perfect corner table with a view of the cityscape cut by the river letting out into the ocean, dotted by multi million-dollar yatchs, and two champagne glasses that meant we were toasting to everything, or without any ellaboration - just being there. After dining all around town unfettered and largely without constraint throughout the years, this place truly deserves a toast.

The servers greeted us in a friendly tone, and quickly explained new menu items, and touched on our favorites. However, as they spoke, it was as if a beautiful exotic country was speaking, as they described ingredients and how they were put together. When the dishes came out, you'd assume they came with their own theme song, atleast some fireworks. Because that is indeed what happened as we tasted dish after dish - fireworks...Another round of champagne had us gitty, but one could easily question if it was the bubbly or was it the symphony of flavors? Thrilled with the moment, we eagerly talked about each bite, making it difficult for any other kind of conversation. After the third dish came out, I was told "The happiest place on Earth isn't Disney..it's here." So what is this place you might ask...

I for one have to admit that towards the end of the meal, I was purposely eating slower because I didn't want it to end. I wanted that lunch to go on as far as I could stretch it.

It is my wish that everyone take the time to experience one of these incredible lunches once in a while. Take out somebody you love, submerge yourself in their company, enjoy some champagne, allow for some of life's fireworks to happen. Exchange the bag of chips for some magnificent pork belly, trade the stiff salads with the dressing on the side for some vibrant sashimi, and sip the good bubbly instead of the plastic bottled drinks. It is these unspoiled moments that stay arrested in our memory, immaculate forever. So what is this place you might ask...

"It's not Disney, but it is the happiest place on Earth" ....I guess it is easy to over-romanticize the unspoiled.

Spain for a second

Many foodies, like poets, have a waxed philosophical point of view on the values and virtues of food and wine. For some it's about the power of principles of cooking and winemaking, molecular gastronomy and its formulas and rules; the modern vintner replacing the human palate for scientific measurements etc. But for me, food and wine is simply about joy and attraction. I savor every bite and I enjoy every drop. Every bite of food has unique flavor, as does every bottle of wine, and each tells a different story. Wine is a pleasure, a gift from nature, and a testament to a winemaker's years of hard work. As for food, a good dining experience should be an unforgettable one. The chef is the artist, the ingredients- the medium, and the plate is the canvas. At the end of a meal, the guest should have been swept away somewhere momentarily, and sublimely submerged by flavors, aromas, and textures - if not completely swept away by the company. Today's food and wine tells the story of Spain.

I love the anticipation and excitement that goes along with finding a new restaurant to check out. I hope to seek out some new and interesting flavors, and find an exotic or boutique wine, therefore, today's adventure took me to Andalucia, Spain. Andalucia is the largest region of Spain that combines mountains and beaches, known for it's historic fishing village, and amazing vinegars and oils. Sounds like a stellar combination of attributes for a perfect Spanish restaurant. And there it was - Andalus. A little piece of Andalucia in Miami.

We walked about a half mile in the summer heat through designer stores and artist blocks until we arrived at Andalus. Welcomed by a Spanish server, we were offered a crisp house Albarino - Spain's signature white wine. We opted for the dinner menu instead of the short lunch menu so that we could get a broader selection of dishes. After scrutinizing the menu, and trying to figure out what some ingredients were, (that's all part of the fun) while munching on some crusty bread with olive oil and salt - we chose chorizo simmered in cider with goat cheese, fried cuttlefish with eggs, seafood stuffed piquillo peppers, and handmade ham croquettes. The dishes arrived in pairs while traditional and modern Spanish music transpired throughout the cream colored dining room dotted with cut red velvet roses at the tables . David Bisbal, Alejandro Sanz, and Montserrat Caballe intertwined our conversation about astrological signs and the surrounding diners; making you bounce back and fourth between the melody of the songs, the flavor of the food, and the conversation. Even though we were sitting in a design district restaurant in Miami, it seemed as though we were backpacking through Spain for a second and found a quiant little place to eat lunch.

Ecstasy...I guess for some, you would need drugs to feel something this good. Today, the food and the wine told the story of Andalucia.

Crazy Good Things

Crazy. It depends what you mean by crazy. I call it independent thinking. What do you call those days where you feel wide awake and so alive? Where your soul is ringing like a bell; When you feel worn out in the best way; and you're left wondering if paradise is where you fell for just a moment. It's the feeling you get when you open your window on a cool spring afternoon, let the breeze-the sun in, and listen to cheap radio songs, it's the dangerously freeing heartbeat that tells you there's nothing holding you back or the ahhhhhhh at the end of a release of an impulse......It's all the good things. Today was filled with all the good things. Crazy good things.

From a car ride that meant listening to an angelic voice softly hum to a couple of songs I like; even some in Spanish, a melody that was left for me not to take for granted. To a wonderful French bistro that led to the conversations I love. Sitting outdoors, talking over champagne and oysters about how at 18 years old, I used to dream of my trip to France therefore, I used to research culinary tours that immersed you in their culture- waking up to pick up a latte with a warm baguette and that incredible butter they have over there... a bike ride in the lavender fields... then, lunch. Something simple and lavish at the same time. A croque monsieur would do, followed by a quick nap. Then off to prepare dinner with a local who knows "everything" about the food of France. Someone like an old, fat, grandmother type that could magically put together the best coq au vin you've ever had. Cook this, drink that... then eat something unforgettable. Doesn't everyone dream of this at 18? LOL. Ok, maybe not so much so the jokes and laughter that followed made the time even better. The background music to this conversation: no less than actual French music. Edith Piaf at her best. You had to pause from time to time just to take in the music and the sunshine. Moments like these are few and far in between where you have to ask yourself, "seriously?" Now, it was time for a glass of white wine to pair with escargot. The choice: Reisling. The result: Perfect. Food is an adventure and should be fun. I find it exciting to share ordering responsibilties. After, a perfect dessert there was a perfect car ride back...only because it had to do with a discussion about Britney's career and a fantastic impersonation of the movie, Pretty Woman--- the epic scene where Julia Roberts cracks up at the snapping jewelry box.

Julia Roberts, Edith Piaf, Reisling, the best company in the world, and dreams of France...Crazy for one afternoon? Maybe. But it depends on what you call crazy. For me, it's that opening of the window on a cool spring day. Today had me wondering if it was paradise that I fell in for just a little while. Today, paradise was France. Cheers to all the good things...the crazy good things.

" I hate when something looks better in pictures than it really is"

Priviledged is the moment where we actually listen to the things we hear; Not just hear them by the natural means of our ears, but to actually take them in - let them mingle in our minds for a bit, and let the good stuff settle in our hearts. The things that settle in our hearts are the things that touch us, and the things that touch us, change us - and that is what makes who we are today.

Today I was told , "I hate it when something looks better in pictures than it really is." (regarding everything) . I've heard that a thousand times before from many different people, even in movies, I've heard that comment over and over. But today, it resonated with me. Today, I didn't simply hear it. I listened and it made me think.

What a powerful generalization. A common concern regarding disappointment over something that should or could have been better. I'm sure you've seen this a million times: websites that show these outrageously lavish hotels, and when you get there, its a small-rinkydink-establishment that left you high and dry with false hopes. "It looked way better on the website." Or how about a television star? They look great on tv, and then one day you see them in the airport or in a restaurant, and you take a glance and realize. " Whoa! they look way better on tv." The same goes for clothes. You see the new collection online or in the catalogue but when you actually go to the store and try it on, "Ooops, this looked way better online." How many times have you seen a horrible movie? "....but the previews looked awesome." Catch my drift....

It's so true that so many things look better in every other form other than real life. And then something amazing happens- a spontaneous collision - a lighting strike - .....a special person. Someone special walks into your life and nothing after that, is ever better in pictures than it really is. In my crazy head, there are some who live in a dream world, there are some who face reality, and then if you're lucky, there's someone who turns one into the other; a dreamworld into reality.

There are hundreds of wonderful snapshots in my memory, far too wonderful to put into words, priceless moments, excessive experiences, and amazing times..........So if I were to look at the BIG Picture of my life, I could never in a million years say "it looks better in pictures than it really is." Why? Not because of the beautiful landscape in the background, not because of the fun group of friends surrounding, not because of the luxurious setting, but because there's someone brilliant who turns a dreamworld, my dreamworld into a reality...

27 years

Today, as good as any day.
I think I'll take a moment to celebrate my age.
The ending of 364 days, the turning of a page.
It's time to focus on where I go from here,
Lord have mercy on my next 27 years!

In my next 27 years, I'm going to have some fun,
I'm going to do a little more of those good things I've done.
Maybe now that I've conquered all those dumb adolescent fears,
I'll do it all better in my next 27 years!

In my next 27 years, I'm going to sit in the chairs I want to sit in,
With the sunshine against my back, and watch the world go by...
With a heart so full of love, it feels short on time...
So if I ever sat there, for a reason that was unclear,
I'm sure going to make it count in my next 27 years!

So if I'm ever faced with a raw piece of chicken with mushrooms,
I'm not going to sneer,
I'm going to bite the bullet and smile.
If I went on and on about how great it was, it wasn't a lie, it was love,
I'm going to wish for more moments like those in my next 27 years!

In my next 27 years,
I'm going to makes sure the fortune that I seek,
Is the fortune I need.
I'm not going to let any precious moments slide,
I'm going to treasure all those times,
That make me feel I have diamonds on the inside.
I'm going to put my heart in 5th gear,
My next 27 years!

Thank you, God for the past 27 years!