Chef Wolfgang Puck Made Me Eat Salmon

Disclosure:  This post is sponsored by Everywhere Society.

I debated downplaying this post so I wouldn't come off as too much of a fangirl but there is just no downplaying Chef Wolfgang Puck.  He is passionate about what he does and is crazy funny.  It was a dream come true to attend a Macy's Culinary Council cooking demo by the icon himself.  I tend to think of myself as worldly but came to the realization a few months ago that there are some things I just haven't eaten yet.  I promised myself that I would try anything that came in front of me.  At least once so I could say I tried ______.  When I got to the Macy's Home kitchen on Saturday, I saw huge cuts of fish on the counter.  Ew.  Fish.  I knew one was salmon and I had never had salmon in my life.  Tuna in sushi or sandwiches is usually as far as I go and then the rare instances when I was a kid and my parents convinced me to eat fried fish.  On the bone, with their eyes wide open.  (I think somehow they traumatized me back then about fish - all your fault mom!)

I flipped through the recipe pages provided by Chef Wolfgang Puck and Macy's Culinary Council.  The salmon dish sounded fancy - Crispy Potato Galette with Dill Cream, Smoked Salmon and Sturgeon, and Osetra Caviar.  I had a quick pep talk in my head and decided, I would go for it.  I had to.  This was Chef Wolfgang Puck's recipe.  I was sitting in the front row - what if he saw me deny his dish or worse, spit it out?  Not a good look.

Chef came out, we all went crazy clapping and smiling like maniacs.  He started his first dish and just my luck, it was the galette.  I was sweating in my seat.  I couldn't concentrate.  He barely started frying up the potatoes and the sample was served.  I took a picture, said a prayer and went for it.  Thank goodness for the different textures and tastes, it was full of delicious magic.  This will be an experience I will remember forever.  I don't think anything else right now in my little foodie World can top it.  Oh and my mom will be so proud that I ate salmon!

Chef Wolfgang Puck in action!

Use a heavy pan for risotto.  Chef Wolfgang Puck recommends stainless steel because it cleans easy and no hotspots.  Use cheap white wine.  You only need it for the acidity.  Buy cheap cold pressed oil - no need for the fancy stuff.

Don't buy grated cheese!

Crispy Potato Galette with Dill Cream, Smoked Salmon and Sturgeon, and Osetra Caviar

Risotto with Sauteed Apple

Roasted Winter Squash Soup with Red Bell Pepper Swirl

Marcos and Christine M. were first in line to meet Chef Wolfgang Puck after the demo!

Where Fall Fashion Lies #MacysFF13

I am over the moon that the lovely Marla of Marlita On The Run got to cover an event for me during an emergency (short story: I broke out in hives) - some things are meant to be and she is my favoritest guest blogger!    

Disclosure:  Everywhere compensated me for covering this Macy’s event, but all thoughts and opinions expressed in this post are my own!

This past Saturday, myself along with all the hip and cute followers of Elle & Blair Fowler were lined up at the Beverly Center’s Macy's to see the fashion show they were hosting. 

Missed it? - have no fear! I am here! - to share the highlights of the event.

Fall essentials were featured and below are my favorites.

The Military Jacket.

Here's the thing about it...it's not so much that it's a trend. It is a fall essential. Any girl can rock this look - no matter what your style...you're a pinup, a hipster, a band member, a hippie chick, whatever - it is a staple piece and works with a cutesy and frilly dress to even some leggings and beat-up boots. :) 

Animal Prints.

I love this quirky take on animal prints. Now, we're not talking zebra striped pants or anything - not that's there's anything wrong with that...but, how cute are these items. A vest with all kinds of doggies on it...this sweet doll-like dress from Keds has weiner dog prints! eek! my favorite...and this cozy sweater with a fox on the front. I can't even handle all the cuteness. :) 

So there you have it those were my favorite essentials featured during the show.

Oh! Also, Elle & Blair's new book "Where Beauty Lies" also made an appearance that day. A perfect read for the young fashionista. It's loosely based off of their own past and current experiences.

More highlights on instagram

Have a great day babes! 

And I'd love to know what your favorite fall essential is. :)

Macy's And Volcom Celebrate Youth Culture With Alex Gray

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Everywhere Society.

We are thrilled to have guest blogger Melanie Sheridan on our blog this week!  Thank you so much Melanie for sharing your story!  

My son rode his first wave when he was 6. Like most young kids, Tyler ran into the water with virtually no fear. It was fun to watch him out there with his dad, trusting that everything would be alright. Over and over again he tried to stand up, and then finally, he got it. I got pictures of that first ride and of his huge smile afterward. I’ll never forget that look on his face. He was so proud of himself!
Fast-forward one year. Tyler and his dad went out again, only this time he took a pretty big spill. He surfaced sputtering and coughing. But, more than that, he came up scared. I was hoping he’d be able to shake it off and get back on his board, but he was done. Literally. After that tumble, Tyler wouldn’t go back in the water at all except to play on the shoreline. It wasn’t until last summer, when he was 9, that he wanted to go out again. He got really into boogie boarding. I think it helped that he didn’t have to go out as deep to have fun. This summer, Tyler said he was ready to try surfing again. He’s still a little scared, but he knows what to do now. I think he’s learned that one thing all surfers understand: you can have respect for the power of the ocean and still have a little bit of fear of that power, too.

Last weekend, I had the opportunity to take Tyler to the Volcom #MensStyle event at Macy’s in Carlsbad to meet surfer Alex Gray. I thought it would be good for him to meet a young pro like Alex, who, despite being one of the best surfers in the world, still admits to being scared sometimes.
When I asked Alex if he had any advice on how to get kids over their fear of the water, he said no. Kids should be a little scared. He said he never gives in to the fear, and that fear is actually one of the things that keeps him going. “If you’re not scared, you’re not all there. Fear is healthy. It’s what you do with it that counts.”
That’s a good lesson for both surfing and life in general. I hope it’s a lesson Tyler learns to embrace. I hope he remembers how he felt the day he caught that first wave and carries that pride and sense of accomplishment with him all the time. I hope he never lets fear get in the way of something he wants.

Alex Gray is a world renowned big-wave surfer. He’s been sponsored by Volcom since he was 12. His advice for young kids who want to start surfing? Find a good quality foam longboard and have fun! Alex was at Macy’s to meet fans and sign autographs. Volcom handed out screen printed hats and re-usable shopping bags. Volcom is a modern lifestyle brand that embodies the creative spirit of youth culture. The company was founded on liberation, innovation and experimentation while remaining dedicated to the breakdown of established traditions. Volcom’s avant-garde approach to clothing and branding has set it apart in the action sports industry and beyond.

Get to know Alex and Volcom on social media:
Twitter: @turkeymelt1
Blog: turkeymelt.com
Instagram: @A_Gray
Twitter: @volcom
Pinterest: Volcom

Radio Disney & Raini Rodriguez Take Over Macy's

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Everywhere Society.  All thoughts are my own.

I gotta give it to the parents that took their kids to meet Raini Rodriguez of Disney Channel's Austin & Ally this past Saturday at Macy's in Brea.  I got there about 15 minutes till 2pm and it was absolutely wild!  The line was super long and all the kids were so excited!  Radio Disney kept the crowd hyped up with good tunes!  I got a chance to chitchat with a few parents and learned some of them were there for over four hours!  WOW!  Raini came out right on time and the kids went CRAZY!  I asked some girls if it was worth the wait and they looked at me like I was crazy!  What a fun last day of Summer for parents and their kids to spend together!  We checked out Macy's must-have looks for boys and girls and with any $35 Kids purchase, you would get an exclusive Macy's school lunch bag!  

Did your parents ever take you to meet your favorite celebrity?
Would you take your kid to meet their favorite celebrity?

Ooo the anticipation!

The Radio Disney crew was very cool!

There she is!  Raini Rodriguez with local LA fans Hannah, Brianna and Samantha

Macy's Summer Food Truck Tour

You know I love Macy's events and had to (HAD TO!) share the Macy's Summer Food Truck Tour with you - This Summer Macy's will take to the highways and back roads of America serving up the best of America's cuisine created by icons of the Macy's Culinary Council: featuring hot dogs and ice cream for FREE!  Don't you just love Macy's?!  I do!  

You can find the truck right outside the Macy's South Coast Plaza Women's Department - Enjoy!  

Saturday, May 18 at 1 PM

Macy's South Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa, CA

Macy's Summer Food Truck Tour will also be stopping in these cities - get your food on!

Saturday, June 1 at Noon

Macy's Memorial City, Houston, TX

Saturday, June 22 at TBD

Macy's Woodland Hills, Tulsa, OK

Saturday, June 29 at TBD

Macy's Marketplace, Rochester, NY

This post is sponsored by Everywhere Society.  

Chef Jonna Talbott Quinoa Tabbouleh Recipe

I attended my second Chef demo at Macy's over the weekend and it is easily one of my favorite things to do.  You learn excellent cooking tips from great chefs and you get to sample the recipes!  It's all for a great cause too - Macy's asks for a $5 donation that benefits Second Harvest Food Bank Orange County!

Chef Jonna Talbott was the guest chef for March and is from the Macy's School of Cooking - she gave us tips on how to hold a knife, I learned that there is a tomato knife (serrated edge) and her favorite knife is a Santouku knife.   I have actually been looking into buying new knives so this information was valuable!  She showed us how to chop an onion, encouraged us to buy a chunk of Parmesan cheese instead of bottled cheese (it will last longer, save you money and it tastes much better!) and the difference between English cucumbers and regular cucumbers.

On the demonstration menu:  Shrimp & Asparagus Risotto and Quinoa Tabbouleh!

My first time trying risotto!

You can buy quinoa pre-rinsed, it should say it right on the package!

Strainers and colanders don't work well since quinoa is teeny tiny - you can use a container with a lid to rinse and strain!

I thought finding an English Cucumber would be hard but they were at my local Fresh & Easy!  English Cucumbers are thinner and longer.  Has less seeds.

I love tabbouleh!  My coworker used to bring it to potlucks at work and I soon found myself looking for it everywhere.  No one made it like his mom and I never attempted to make it but with this modern, easy recipe - I'm going to try it out!  (I already bought all the ingredients!)


Quinoa Tabbouleh Ingredients - Courtesy of Chef Jonna Talbott
1 cup rinsed Quinoa
1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt
3-4 tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice
2 Garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Freshly ground Black Pepper
1 large English Hothouse Cucumber, cut into 1/4" pieces
1 pint Cherry Tomatoes, quartered
2/3 cup Flat Leaf Parsley, chopped
1/2 cup Fresh Mint, chopped
2 Scallions, thinly sliced
3/4 cup Feta cheese, crumbled

Directions
Bring quinoa, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1 1/4 cups water to a boil in a medium saucepan over high heat.  Reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer until quinoa is tender, about 10 minutes.  Remove from heat and let stand, covered for 5 minutes.  Fluff with a fork.

Whisk lemon juice and garlic in a small bowl.  Gradually whisk in olive oil.  Season dressing to taste with salt and pepper.

Spread out quinoa on a large rimmed baking sheet; let cool.  Transfer to a large bowl; mix in 1/4 cup dressing.

Add cucumber, tomatoes, herbs, scallions and feta to bowl with quinoa; toss to coat.  Season to taste with salt and pepper.  Drizzle remaining dressing over.

Chef Jonna Talbott notes:  You can make quinoa and dressing a day ahead and store separately.  Add grilled chicken or shrimp to make a main dish salad.

The next chef demo is Saturday, April 27th - 2pm with Executive Chef Francisco Diaz from Signature Kitchen and Wolfgang Puck Bistro at Macy’s South Coast Plaza Home Store, Demonstration Kitchen Level One, 3333 Bear Street, Costa Mesa, CA 92646

Disclosure: I am a member of the Everywhere Society and Everywhere provided me with compensation for this post.  However, all thoughts and opinions expressed herein are my own.   

Chef Jonna Talbott at Macy's South Coast Plaza

Chef Jonna Talbott will be doing a chef demo at Macy's South Coast Plaza tomorrow - Saturday, March 30th at 2pm!  I am so excited to see her make Shrimp and Asparagus Risotto because I have never tried risotto!  Crazy, I know!  She's also cooking up Quinoa Tabbouleh.  I love me some tabbouleh and I am just now getting into quinoa so that will be interesting!  

Come on down - learn something new and make a $5 donation to benefit Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County!   

Macy’s South Coast Plaza Home Store, 3333 Bear Street, Costa Mesa, CA 92646

Heart of Haiti: A Gift That Gives Back

I received this Heart of Haiti bracelet to review, I'm not sure I can say anything to do it the justice it deserves but I'm going to try.  This bracelet is stunning, high quality and more importantly, handcrafted.  It is a true piece of art.  Because these pieces aren't made on an assembly line, there are tiny variations that make it truly one-of-a-kind and limited edition.  It made me wonder why more people don't know about this program... Heart of Haiti has something for everyone - These are the types of unique gifts I love to give and receive!

Heart of Haiti is a “Trade, Not Aid” initiative launched by artist and social entrepreneur, Willa Shalit, The Clinton Bush Haiti Fund and Macy’s.

Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere and despite the devastating earthquake, people there are filled with hope and a desire to improve their lives through employment.  The Heart of Haiti initiative provides artists with an opportunity to make a living feed their families and pay their children’s school fees. Already, The Heart of Haiti collection has led to employment of 750 artists in Haiti providing financial benefits for an estimated 8,000 people in the country.

The collection features more than 40 home decor items including quilts, metalwork, ceramics, and paintings. The craftsmanship and technique behind these works of art, ranging from papier-mâché vases to hand cut metal frames & wall hangings, is truly remarkable.  The collection is made almost entirely from recycled and sustainable items such as old cement bags, cardboard, oil drums & local gommier wood. Sharing a “gift that gives back” is a great way to raise awareness and celebrate artistry and regrowth. Heart of Haiti products are available exclusively at 25 Macy's stores around the country and on www.Macys.com/Haiti.

Get Social with Heart of Haiti:  @HeartofHaiti on Twitter / Heart of Haiti on Facebook

Painstakingly cut, hammered and varnished by hand, this meaningful picture frame displays your favorite people and places in the tree of life. Steel from recycled barrels gives each one-of-a-kind piece a rustic beauty perfected by Haiti's master artisans.

• Recycled steel
• Handcrafted in Haiti
• Holds 4" x 6" photos
• 9" x 11.5"
• Because each item is a unique work of art, variations in size and color will occur
• Includes a Certificate of Authenticity
• Signed by the artisan
• Artisans receive half the wholesale price for each item sold

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post. I was provided with product to review and for giveaway.  All thoughts are my own.

Omie's First Christmas - A Trip To See Santa!

Chris and I aren't the type of parents to take the kids to see Santa every year.  From what I've seen, the Santas aren't what they used to be and the pictures are pricey.  I was invited to check out the Macy's Santa Tour at MainPlace Mall in Santa Ana and I was a skeptic.    But the minute I saw the big guy himself, I began to believe again.  This Santa looked and acted like I had always pictured him to be.  Santa sang to us, read us a story and he is the type of Santa I want my sons to believe in.  I can't thank you enough Macy's for all the new holiday traditions we started this year - Thanksgiving Day Parade and now, a trip to see Santa!  

Not only were we able to take as many pictures of our kids with Santa as we wanted but each kid was given a holiday plush, coloring book and crayons.  The best part of all was that every kid could mail a letter to Santa in the special mailbox and for every letter received, Macy's donates $1 to the Make-A-Wish Foundation (up to $1 million).   

We got to meet Make-A-Wish kid Sarah Poulsen.  Sarah is 8 years old and has juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia.  She wants to be a chef and Macy's gifted her with the cutest chef apron, hat and basket of cooking and baking goodies!

Santa was dozing off during story time and Sarah had to wake him up!  (He's a busy man, kids!)

My gorgeous littles!  One of the elves had Omie's attention!

Omie's First Christmas!  He's checking out Santa and we asked Duke why his arm is all funky and he said he didn't want to put it on Santa's belly (LOL)

Gift from Aflac, Thank you! You can buy the Aflac Holiday Duck 2012 online or at Macy's - All proceeds go to over 50 hospitals dedicated to the research and treatment of pediatric cancer.

Two letters to the North Pole!


For more info on all of Macy's Holiday Events, visit macys.com/holidayevents
    

Disclosure: I am a member of the Everywhere Society and Everywhere provided me with compensation for this post about Macy's Santa Tour.  However, all thoughts and opinions expressed herein are my own. #culture #newtraditions 

Santa Will Be At Macy's Santa Ana Mainplace Mall Tonight!

Join Macy's for festive holiday fun when Virginia, Macy's Santa and his entourage of elves roll into town on their magical holiday tour bus! Hear Virginia's story as she crosses the country with Santa, then tell Santa what's on your wish list. Be sure to bring your camera to capture the moment, as the Big Man is only at Macy's for a limited time, so catch him while you can!

While you're at Macy's, help make wishes come true!

Bring your stamped letter to Santa with you, addressed to Santa At The North Pole, and drop it into Macy's special Santa Letterbox. We'll count up everyone's letters and for each letter received, Macy's will donate $1 to Make-A-Wish(R) (up to $1,000,000) and deliver them to the Post Office, to be mailed to Santa!

For more info on all of Macy's Holiday Events, visit macys.com/holidayevents


December 3rd at 6pm
Macy's Santa Ana Mainplace 2850 N. Main St. Santa Ana, CA 92705
Third Floor
Santa will arrive at the Courtyard Doors

Live Cooking Demos Rock! #CulinaryCouncil

When the opportunity came up to attend a live cooking demo with none other than Chef Ming Tsai, I jumped all over it.  I love watching Food Network and always wondered what it would be like to see a show "live".  I enjoyed watching Chef Ming Tsai on East Meets West years ago and more recently on Top Chef and The Next Iron Chef.

Honestly, I didn't know what to expect and I'm fine with that because when you have no expectations, everything is better.  

Even though I was sitting in the front row, I had a monitor right in front of me!

Chef Ming Tsai is not only talented but funny.  See him if you get a chance!

A packed house!  It was a great, diverse crowd!

A short lesson in wine.

Tamari is gluten-free soy sauce!

The South Coast Plaza Macy's Culinary Council Team, Chef Ming Tsai and one of his Blue Ginger chefs

This was my favorite dish.  The flavors and textures were incredible.  I don't think I've had a salad like this in my life.  Life changing!

This looked very easy to make.  I love the texture of quinoa and all of it's health benefits, I might attempt to make this one day!

Chef Ming Tsai said when peeling whole ginger, use a spoon.  Also, when buying canned tomatoes, get whole tomatoes because diced tomatoes are the leftovers of tomatoes.

Chef Ming Tsai used a pressure cooker to make the braised pork.  He seared it first and then pressure cooked it for about an hour.  My mom used to always use a pressure cooker when making stew, I'm tempted to buy a pressure cooker now.

Chef Ming Tsai also recommended soaking brown rice in water for an hour and adding it with white rice to a rice cooker.  I thought it was genius because I'm always struggling with brown rice!

All the food was yummy and I'm tempted to buy his recent book, "Simply Ming" but he mentioned that there are free recipes available on his site (if you are frugal like me - I rarely buy cookbooks)

Some other nuggets of good information from Chef Ming Tsai:

• Don't substitute coconut milk for soy milk.  Soy milk is for lattes
• Dull knives are more dangerous than sharp knives 
• Test your knife by dropping a whole onion on it - if it cuts, it's good
• Use cookbooks as a foundation for information, tweak recipes for you
• Get rid of kids food, what is that

Chef Ming Tsai is entertaining.  Buy his cookbooks, check out his site, eat at his new restaurant, "Blue Dragon" in Boston in 2013, check out a demo...  Thank you Macy's Culinary Council!


Disclosure: I am a member of the Everywhere Society and Everywhere provided me with compensation for this post about Macy's Culinary Council.  However, all thoughts and opinions expressed herein are my own.