This Oysters with Cucumber and Mint Vinaigrette recipe is simple to prepare and absolutely delicious to eat. I discovered this fabulous dish when visiting Ponta Dos Gonchos, located  on a tiny island off Brazil called Florianopolis.  Talented Chef Luis Salvajoli served the most wonderful seafood throughout our stay, with a flair for combining unique, always fresh ingredients. […]

Villa D’Este is one of the most beautiful hotels in the world. If you are truly ambitious and want to create an over the top New Year’s Eve dinner, take a look at the exquisite photographs and recipes on the attached Christmas card from Chef Luciano Parolari  at Villa D’Este. I guarantee you will want […]

  “Nuts N Bolts” or “Doo Dads” are a favorite family holiday snack. I start making the mix mid November and put in the freezer before adding the liquid ingredients.  Each bowl is labeled for a particular family member. This solves the problem of one not wanting salt, one not liking nuts, or one wanting extra […]

Celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck shares his Spicy Tomato and Basil Bruschette recipe.  You can never go wrong using fresh ingredients like tomatoes and basil. Wolfgang Puck recipes are always crowd pleasers. Whether you go to one of Wolfgang Puck’s restaurants like Spago’s, or just try an easy Puck recipe at home, you’ll never be disappointed. SERVES 6 INGREDIENTS […]

Cucumbers, watermelon and fresh mint leaves with sliced celery combine to make this a fabulous, refreshing soup. Chef Steven Ariel, from Seattle’s gem of a restaurant, LUC, shares the recipe he created for a perfect summer evening appetizer.The sliced cherry heirloom tomatoes, diced cucumber and fresh mint leaves make an easy, beautiful garnish. SERVES  8 […]

I’ve never quite understood the appeal of the traditional shrimp cooktail. I mean, what could be less interesting than cold boiled shrimp dipped in a lackluster mixture of ketchup and prepared horseradish. Here’s a shrimp cocktail with gumption, featuring chile-rubbed, grill-seared shrimp served over a colorful, chunky salsa of avocado and sweet corn. You can […]

  The Four Seasons Hualalai is located  in a paradise setting on the Big Island of Hawaii. One of the rising stars at the ocean side Beach Tree restaurant, under the creative eye of Chef Nick Mastrascusa, is Angela Kenyon. She puts a creative spin on the traditional caprese salad by adding grilled marinated steak. The restaurant […]

Grilled shrimp, sliced mango, hearts of palm, a bit of herb oil and cilantro lime sauce are combined for a great taste sensation. Chef Nick at Four Seasons Hualalai serves the shrimp lettuce wrap at the Beach Tree Restaurant or poolside.   INGREDIENTS 9 halves Grilled Shrimp (large) 3 Leaves Butter Lettuce 2 oz. Julienned […]

  The Four Season Resort’s Chef James is sharing one of his personal favorite recipes. This isn’t on the menu at Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, but this Thai Beef Salad recipe knocks it out of the ballpark. Serve it as an appetizer or a main course. Don’t be put off because you haven’t seen some of […]

Whenever my husband and I go to our friend’s house for dinner, we know we’ll have great food.  Linda is a gourmet cook and her husband, Hal, always pairs wines perfectly with each course. So this particular evening,  I was fascinated by Linda’s quail egg crostini appetizer, as I had never cooked or eaten quail […]