Birthday's and Horses

Since I had to travel on my birthday, literally the red eye to Michigan; Chris wanted to do something special to celebrate.  He surprised me with an afternoon at Sunset Ranch in Hollywood.  I have been wanting to go horseback rinding for a while now and we finally got to go for a sunset ride through the hills!
It was a pretty relaxing ride with Marilyn and Cane.  I had Marilyn of course.  She was nice a squishy!  She was also the slow horse where as Cane was getting a little crazy.  We had a great time!

Later that night we had a nice dinner full of garlic at the Stinking Rose in LA.  I definitely overindulged on the garlic.  And definitely regretted it later.  Yikes!

Sunset Ranch Hollywood

The Stinking Rose

Meeting Emily of Cupcakes and Cashmere

Photo: Cupcakes and Cashmere

Cupcakes and Cashmere is one of my favorite blogs.  My friend introduced it to me a couple years ago and I thought Emily was so cute, always with her nails done and her posts were very creative.  I was excited to see she was writing a book and made sure to pick up a copy last week!  I also made sure to leave work a bit early and make it to her book signing in Los Angeles.

She was so sweet!  She really took quite a bit of time chatting with each person.  Her and I talked briefly about weddings as I am in the process of planning my own.  She was lovely and a delight!  Definitely check out her blog if you haven't yet.  Her book, Cupcakes and Cashmere is in stores and online now!

www.cupcakesandcashmere.com

Buy the Book!

A Taste of Downtown Detroit

I made my first trip to Michigan this summer for Chris's sisters wedding.  It was mostly like I expected. A lot of land, farms, and friendly faces! :)

For the one free day we had Chris took me into downtown Detroit for some gambling at the Greek Town Casino and one of the top 3 sandwiches in America at Slows.  Yup thats right!  The yardbird sandwich at Slows made it onto Best Sandwich in America on the Travel Channel.  Not only was it on the show but it made it into the semi finals and the into the final top 3 sandwiches!  Sadly, it was not the big winner.  Oh but it was to me!

Slows BBQ

2138 Michigan Ave.

Detroit, MI

http://slowsbarbq.com/

Enterprise Fish, Santa Monica

As you may have noticed, I havent posted in a while.  And when I do it more of restaurants rather than recipes.  Chris and I are in the process of moving and life has just been crazy so i haven't had a chance to get a lot of bloggin done.  But stay tuned!  More recipes to come in a new kitchen I have to break in :)

Enterprise Fish in Santa Monica has an amazing menu filled with delicious fresh fish.  The Asian 5 spice basa swai is incredible.  Its cooked and seasoned to perfection.  But- I have to give it up to the best lobster bisque I've ever had.  And I've had quite a few.  You have to order it with the puff pastry on top.  The puff pastry is crispy on top, and soft and dipped in the bisque on the bottom.  My mouth is watering just typing this!

Bottom line, amazing selections of fresh fish if you are in a fishy sort of mood.

Enterprise Fish Co.

174 Kinney Street

Santa Monica, CA 90405

http://www.enterprisefishco.com/santamonica/

Scarlet Tea Room, Old Town Pasadena

Over the past few years the Scarlet Tea Room has become a favorite spot to spend mothers day with my mom, sister, grandma, and even my girlfriends and their moms!  High tea is oh so chic and the Scarlet Tea Room does not disappoint!  Voted best tea room in Pasadena 4 years in a row and have also snagged a Diners Choice award!
Menu highlights include poached pear and berry salad and spiced belgian chocolate beignets!  But we always go for 3 course or 5 course afternoon tea menu which includes your choice of tea, sorbet, fresh baked scone with their to die for Scarlet cream, tea sandwiches, petite desserts, and a fresh berry romanoff.  Don't worry if this is your late lunch!  I find it is always plenty filling!

Scarlet Tea Room & Fine Dining

18 W. Green Street

Pasadena, CA 91105

www.scarlettearoom.com