Movie Theatre Popcorn

I am not too focused on the guilts of the world. Just my own. When guilt calls, I run to the phone and listen. I'm ready for it. Some might even say I train for it.

Movie theatre popcorn is one of my greatest guilts. I like food I can see my reflection in, it is so greasy. Food that practically screams "don't eat me! I'm terrible for you!" as you're cramming it in your mouth. It has come to the point where the movie-viewing process is completely backward: I start craving the popcorn, then I decide which movie I want to go see. Or at least, which movie I can get some enjoyment from as I indulge in the main spectacle: the popcorn.



Even the atmosphere in which you eat this popcorn screams of guilty pleasure: you take this giant tub of overpriced butter, salt, and popcorn into a dark room where anonymity rules, and then you indulge. You can't even see what you're eating, just adding to the indulgence (If I can't see it, the calories don't count, right?).

Greasy, salty, buttery deliciousness. The satisfying crunch and the explosion of guilty flavors. Movie theatre popcorn should be in the guilty pleasure hall of fame.

A Sugar Rush for the Ears

I love terrible music. It's true. Every bad dance pop song you hear on the radio is gold to me. How am I supposed to say no to those irrepressible dance beats, simplistic lyrics, and perfectly packaged pop songs? They are designed much the way a shot of espresso is - a sugar rush that's supposed to wear off very quickly...but not until you've purchased it from iTunes.

I relish the chance to cave in to my most simplistic love, to roll up my windows and turn up the dance music. I'm the kid whose hand is in the cookie jar and has just gotten a fistful of warm chocolate chip cookies. Success is immediate and satisfying. I wonder if I look as guilty as I feel.


Don't get me wrong, I love good music as well. I'll argue with anyone over the best Beatles songs, the best Led Zeppelin live footage, or which Michael Jackson album reigns supreme. But when those dancey pop songs come on the radio, I can't help reveling in the moment and not even thinking about when that sugar rush is going to wear out.

It's Summer Somewhere

Whomever decided that some foods can only be enjoyed at certain times of the year should be put out of their misery. Because misery is what I, personally, experience when the first few days of winter arrive and announce, “we’re here!” with bracing winds and bouncing sleet. I should be allowed to turn up the heat to 80 degrees, mix a margarita, and enjoy summer foods in December if I like. Really, is there anything inherently wrong with a crisp lemon water ice when the snow is coming down outside? Or, slicing open that watermelon I just purchased in January while playoff football is on screen? Of course not – it’s summer somewhere, right? Just because I happen to be living on the far side of the sun five months out of the year doesn’t mean I can’t be allowed to join in on some of the fun in the sun…even if the sun does disappear at 5 p.m. sharp every day. Summer isn’t a privilege in my world: it’s a right, and a right I want to enjoy even when Old Man Winter comes over for a long-term stay.

My guilty pleasure is remembering that it's only winter outside.

The top of the mountain

Some may say it’s the easy way out, but I know exactly when to trust my instincts. I know when I have a lucky streak going, and just when to walk away from the proverbial tables. I can feel the beginning of a good day in my toes when I get out of bed in the morning. By the same token, I know a good thing when I see it. I know when my hard work is going to pay off, much like a surfer knows when the perfect wave is about to form. Call it luck or call it practice, I just know when something is going to be right. It may even be my eternal optimism, but I know when I am on the cusp of something great.

When I am climbing up the side of the mountain and I can see the peak, you better believe I am going to give 100% to get there in record time. That’s one of the perks of getting to know yourself…you can make your own magic happen just by trusting your instincts.

My guilty pleasure is trusting my gut and knowing sensational things are just around the corner.

The Solace of Late Autumn

The holiday season is upon us again. This is a sweet potato’s favorite time of the year. The warm aromas of the season are subtle and familiar, ready to wrap you in a warm coat before pushing you into winter’s icy grip. It’s not quite Thanksgiving, not quite the brisk days of early fall. Wedding season is fading, and the holiday party season is just starting to kick into high gear. It is that brief solace where everyone takes a deep breath before plunging into the hectic celebrations of the holidays. These moments are the ones to savor before diving headfirst into the non-stop holidays.

My guilty pleasure is indulging in the final moments of peace before the joyous holiday season springs its full force upon us.

Bag Fries

Everyone knows that unexpected food is the best tasting (and most celebrated!) food. One of the most common occurrences of unexpected food occurs every time you get fast food, although you may never have taken the time to appreciate it. I am of course referring to bag fries.


You know what I mean by that: those delicious extra fries that you find greasing up the bottom of the paper bag that your Big Mac/Whopper/Chicken nuggets and fries just came in. You've already enjoyed your burger and indulged in those delicious salty fried potatoes and you're just about to throw out the bag when you look in and discover, much to your delight, that your adventure into Guiltland is not yet over. There are still bag fries to enjoy, thus extending your dietary lapse in judgment another few seconds. Those are the fries that are the most delicious, mostly because you had already come to terms with your meal being over.

My guilty pleasure is enjoying the unexpected extras in life.

John Lennon at 70

One guilty pleasure that is accessible and easy to enjoy is music. And one of the greatest songwriters of all time would have celebrated his 70th birthday this past weekend. I am, of course, referring to John Lennon.

No matter where you stand on the musical or political spectrum, John Lennon wrote songs that give you pause. Lennon's ability to reach out and touch your soul, make you stop whatever you happen to be doing at that moment, is unparalleled. Anyone that can do that in today's "go go go" non-stop world is worth celebrating.

Great music is a guilty pleasure that can be enjoyed by all.

It's Spice Season

Those long-fabled, long-fantasized about crisp and cool days of fall are here again. Here in the Northeast, we've been thrown straight from the sultry days of late August into the often harsh days of November without so much of a fall break in between. The past few days have been the kind of days to chill the bones.

Thankfully, it's also spice season....pumpkin and apple spice, that is. Traditional staples designed to cut through these bitterly cold days and warm you from the inside out. Spice season is the time of year that says, "I'm ready for fall, but not quite ready for winter and hot chocolate just yet."


When I'm feeling particularly guilty, I indulge in Chaddsford Winery's Spiced Apple Wine, mulled and served hot with cinnamon sticks. Savored fireside while the football season heats up and the temperatures drop, this savory treat officially kicks off the start of fall.

This guilty pleasure is about savoring the early days of fall before they become the snowy days of winter.

Hankering for the Blues

No Mas! No Mas!

I am sure you must have noticed how much we are bombarded by an onslaught of radio and television ads from the insurance industry? It's like a right cross to the relaxation mode. From Geico to Progressive to State Farm to Allstate and beyond, there is apparently no shortage of money when it comes paying for primetime promotions. While managing risk is a wise policy, perhaps there ought to a limit to their outrageous premiums.

However, it's not their price gauging that disturbs me the most, it's their noise. These multi-national corporations disrupt every sporting event, newscast and comedy with talking lizards and witless shills. You cannot even walk through an airport, train station or a mall without seeing a very insurance-savvy Caveman living the life.

Enough already with the assault on our senses. To quote the immortal Hands of Stone, Roberto Duran, "No Mas! No Mas!"

My Guilty Pleasure is turning off the TV, turn down the lights and listening to tunes in the dark.

Crisp and Cool Days Are Here Again

The fresh days of fall are now upon us after a long summer of luxuriating poolside. As steamy as those summer days were, we’re now happy to have these forgiving days us again. The crispness of these early fall mornings is matched only by the crunching leaves on the ground outside.

The kids have reluctantly gone back to school, and football season is now in full swing. Now is the season to come back home and reconnect with the family around the table and rediscover that connection we’ve been missing all summer long. The Harvest Moon will be rising soon, and there is no better place to watch it than surrounded by friends and family.

What can be more enjoyable than a Labor Day weekend blessed with family, sensational weather and great boundless energy. The past few days have been unforgettable with temperatures in the 80's, low humidity and lots of Guilty Pleasures. From attending College Football on Friday to watching the Phillies on Sunday to dreaming big on Monday, it was a dazzling conclusion to a memorable summer.

Sultry romance is always a Guilty Pleasure.

How much do we love smooching underneath an August moon. There are three full moons when the day's are long and the weather's is steamy. The last orb of the summer welcomes the change of seasons as there is romance in the air

No matter whether I am going out on the town or hangin' at home, it's always delightful sharing a special moment with the one you love. . Guilty Pleasures come in many forms. Mine, on this sultry summer evening, is savoring my Thin Mint and being more in love each day.

Compliments of the Chef

We love to go over for dinner. Enjoying great food and receiving a complimentary sampling from the Chef is always a fantastic experience. We love being spoiled and respected. Sampling the menu with the Chef as our guide is one of my favorite Guilty Pleasures. Being in the hospitality business has many wonderful perks.

We were out to dinner at Dettera in Ambler three weeks ago and one of our former Sous Chefs was there doing what he does best and better than most. He was working the line with grace and flair. His grill was work extraordinary and vibrant sauces sublime.

Visit and try the Gnocci. It is incredible. The corn soup is worth fighting over. Order your own.

Embrace the Cake

Oh, these lazy, hazy days of August. Where the heat just settles all around you and swallows you up. But just because it’s hot doesn’t mean things are slowing down around here…quite the opposite, actually. The kitchen is just as steamy as the weather outside as we continue to cook up culinary gold right here in Jeffersonville. All the hard work and heat has each of us looking for a little relief.

This week, I’m choosing to cool off with a bite into some cheesecake. But not just any cheesecake – cheesecake with thin caramel swirls running through it. It's the kind of treat best enjoyed with friends mid-week - it's simply not guilty enough for a weekend treat. But surrounded by friends on a steamy Tuesday night in the middle of summer, cheesecake with caramel swirls is a refreshing summer pleasure.

The best thing about cheesecake is that it lingers without getting heavy. It’s the dessert equivalent of an unexpectedly cool breeze on a sticky, hazy summer day. In fact, these hot and hazy days of August are the best days to enjoy a slice of delicate cheesecake. Just one bite into this creamy treat and you’re initiated into the Guilty Pleasures Club, because you suddenly understand what guilty pleasures are all about. Embrace and indulge in the guilty cheesecake lifestyle.

Campfire Indulgences

It’s been a hot, busy summer here at Provence Catering. We lit up World Team Tennis with our refreshing menu selections, and we sizzled for our newlyweds at three weddings in July. Now we’re taking a step back and looking to indulge in—you guessed it—some guilty pleasures.

We’ve now earned a well-deserved breather, and we’re kicking back and putting our feet up on the patio furniture to indulge in some rest and relaxation. After all, it’s hard work sizzling every day in these equally-sizzling temps. While we’re relaxing on the patio furniture, we’re also starting up a campfire to get that twilight chill out of the air. And with that campfire comes that summertime staple of guilt, the s’more.

The s’more is the perfect treat for anyone who likes to lick their guilty pleasures off their fingers. Chocolate, marshmallow, and graham crackers form a team of deliciousness that prove guilty pleasures don’t always have to be complicated. They also prove that guilt is best enjoyed in the company of family and good friends.

We’re supportive of any food that has “more” in the name…it just suggests decadence. So indulge in some s’morey goodness this summer…you’ve earned it, Guiltorious One.

Four Culinary Superstars and .....

We are celebrating the one year anniversary of the Guilty Pleasures Club and the vibe is good. Real good. The expansion of our kitchen is underway. Our food is better than ever. And the buzz on the street is amazing.

It's only going to get better. We now have Moroccan Chef who brings a entirely new menu focus. His food is incredible. When you add Chefs C, J & M to the team, magic happens.

Four Culinary superstars and not one ego. Check out this photo from a recent VIP staff luncheon at Penn.

Tantilizing Twilights in June

It's been a long, difficult and decadent journey to June. But, my Guilty legion, we have arrived in style and we are ready to celebrate any occasion. The posh are ready to nosh! And why not?

While the frozen winter of 2010 was filled with many seasonal Guilty Pleasures, it's the ripe bounty of spring and summer that's been calling my name.

I can hear the grateful spirits coolly cooing"Guilty. Guilty. We have a boysenberry trifle and a bottle of Cabernet Savignon for you. Guilty. Twilight is back."

Yes, the tempting and seductive side of this Guilty Garden is in full bloom and summer is just beginning. After-dinner bliss is back and it's the best of Philadelphia.

Enjoying a tantilizing twilight on the deck with Thin Mint and savoring a successful May is always an amazing Guilty Pleasure. Throw in the rapture of a full moon and there's hope on the horizon.

Embracing the new day.

Pastry is power and we now have an unrivaled energy source in the Provence Catering kitchen. Our new Executive Pastry Chef is a true culinary professional and a natural leader. Enjoying her exceptional pastry skills is quickly becoming a daily Guilty Pleasure.

With her remarkable talent, secret recipes and production prowess, our entire Pastry Department has been dramatically upgraded. We can now offer our discerning clientele a wide variety of incredible miniatures and plated desserts. Funny how quickly the weather changes.

We would like to give a well-earned shout out to the incomparable M who shrewdly took out our trash and lightened our load. "Glad to hear you're finally hiring again."

It's always a pleasure, guilty or not, to embrace the new day.

A humongous iced glass of Sweet Tea is for me.

The temperature is already hovering at about 90 degrees and it's only May 2nd. Apparently Global Warming will be making an impact this summer earlier than ever. My FEMA-like action plan for keeping cool in a heat wave always includes guzzling down a yard of Sweet Tea in a family treasure. It's a humongous 24 oz glass that's been handed down in Thin Mint's Family from generation to generation.

This is a mystical Amber vessel with a proud history of refreshment and it must be securely stashed in "The Freezer."

Guilty Town is one of few communities where each freezer must have an Alter of Icing. We take our beverage containers very seriously on the decadent side of the street.

I love the ongoing tussle between nearly overheating and almost frozen. It's one of life's most omnipresent metaphors.

Chillin' with a slow-brewed minted concoction is always a satisfying Guilty Pleasure. Sipping an icy cold Sweet Tea is the best way to keep focused and frisky.

Making a beeline to the LeBus Bakery

I love LeBus Bakery to the point where I daydream daily about giant chocolate chip cookies and their second cousins, the Brownie Sisters.

The LeBus outlet store is located in King of Prussia, PA. I live only 2 miles from this Guilty Oasis and it's become a weekly excursion. To make matters even more enticing, the pastry and bread selections change daily. I love bakery surprises.

I know I am supposed to be embracing the low-carb consciousness. But this is not Seattle and my New Age mantra is enjoy a different baked good each week. I always believed that every memorable continental breakfast needs humongous Asiago bagel.

Goodies from the bakery can be enjoyed all day long. Stuck in traffic, now about a trio of mini-muffins that can gobbled down with little fanfare. Need a sweet and savory snack before lunch, how about a freshly baked Jalapeno blueberry bread topped with crunchies. I love a struesal topped loaf.

Planning a special dinner? There is always a wide variety of delicious fococcia's to choose from. Today's delicacy was an Artesan delight, smothered with smoked Mozzarella cheese, roasted garlic and fresh basil. Mercy, it was so delicious.

If you have not already done so, make a beeline to the LeBus bakery outlet to find your Guiltorious glee. It will be your happiest moment of the day.

Slaw, Slaw, Slaw....

How much do I love Cole Slaw? Before answering that revealing question, please consider the many residents of Slawville. Let's start with the ever-popular Broccoli slaw bursting with sliced apples. Wow, this is some flavorful veggie heaven and those loud crunches are legendary.

Then there's highly-acclaimed and always popular Pineapple Slaw. It's my personal favorite and the chard's of golden pineapple are delicious all year round Simply put, it's the most refreshing slaw ever.

But sometimes you neeed to go savory. When you are woofing down a rare roast beef sandwich, Bleu Cheese Slaw is the perfect compliment. This Southern Classic is a gamechanger.

The slaw dressing is the key and our's is second to none. We can go "lite" with a reduced-fat mayonaisse or we can ignore the calories counting.

Guess which way the guilty winds blow.

Fancy Food Show is coming in June and you are invited.

The Fancy Food Show is two months away and the Guilty Pleasures Club is already making plans for private tastings, recipe development and culinary networking. Everyone loves to discover a new Guilty Pleasure.

You can expect us to sample cheeses from Norway, Kobe Beef from Argentina and Chocolates from Switzerland. It's 3 grueling days of Guilty Pleasure Heaven. And you are invited. Anyone whyo would like to attend must contact us to by May 8, 2008 to obtain your passport to GuiltyTown.

My Guiltorious Life is very good and getting better.

Peering out my office is always a very special Guilty Pleasure. I get to gaze upon the stupendously fun Thin Mint and watch the hardest working woman in the hospitality business hold court. She is amazing on so many levels I have stopped counting.
Sharing my professional and private life with the Belle of the Ball is pretty sweet. Guilt's legendary life is very good and getting better.

King Pastrami wins again

March Madness has a secret snackage tournament attached to the hardwood, great gametime sandwiches. After a wild weekend of overstuffed platters, King Pastrami Rules………………..

Has there ever been a more perfect cured meat than pastrami? With a Rumanian spice that could capture any army of hungry soldiers with just its’ hypnotic aroma, hand-cut pastrami with is the King of hot sandwiches. Yes, a hot lean corned beef sandwich is a royal delicacy and in some well-mannered circles, a French dip Roast Beef sandwich is a Prince’s delight.

However, for me, nothing is more perfect than hand-cut pastrami with spicy creole mustard, Fontina cheese on fresh Russian pumpernickel rye bread from the famed Eagle Bakery in Trenton NJ. You can never call this worthy heir to the throne of Sandwichville "lean." It’s just not possible!!! One bite and you have been crowned.

Doomed to Marvel.

I am possessed. It's true. Maybe the Papal College has me on their High-Caloric Watch List or maybe somehow I have avoided their considerable scrutiny. It does not matter, as my Guilt as been long established and well-documented.


I am doomed. Doomed I tell you. Not in a damnation sort of way, but in a "what's wrong with having goat cheese on everything" fashion. Isn't extra creamy a good thing?

I cannot go an hour without daydreaming about some decadent red coconut curry sauce or pining for an overflowing plate of Banana's Foster with Herrell's Brown Butter Ice Cream. It might be the best ice cream on the planet.

My legendary life is one constant quest for the Guiltorious goods that make us marvel in the moment like a finely aged-liqueur and a chocolate souffle. With my new Brandy sniffer in hand, a well-worn leather chair makes the perfect perch to watch Villanova stumble and fall.

I am doomed to Marvel. Doomed I tell you.

Absinthe

The heavenly "Green Fairies", the drink of choice for such notables as Vincent Van Gogh, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Oscar Wilde and Alfred Jarry as well as the beverage opposed by conservatives and prohibitionists until 2007 because of its association with the bohemian culture and its reputed psychoactive properties.

The lovers of "The Green Fairies" can date a version of Absinthe and its primary active ingredient back to 1550 BC. Although not popular until late 19th century this beverage of royalty and the arts community quickly became the rave of popular culture at the turn of the century.

This wonderful beverage has regained popularity and as of 2008 there are over 200 brands available. Provence Catering, in its drive to produce incredible beverages to match with foods begun match Absinthe with cocktail hour and dessert stations at its premium events. Absinthe is presented in a decorative glass over which an ornate silver spoon is placed that holds a sugar cube. Ice cold water is then dispensed from elegant glass and crystal fountains that dissolves the sugar cube & mixes with the Absinthe creating a lovely green hue. This green color coined the reputation of the "Green Fairies" or visions that occurred while drinking it.

One of the growing and most flavorful brands is produced here in Philadelphia from the Philadelphia Distilling Company. Philadelphia Distilling LLC is a premium spirits producer that creates Bluecoat American Dry Gin, Penn 1681 Rye Vodka & Vieux Carre' Absinthe.

So, take a walk on the wild side and see why Absinthe is growing in popularity. Let Provence Catering build Absinthe into your next event or pick up a bottle for yourself. I encourage you to try Vieux Carre' for its outstanding flavor and its local connection. I urge you to drink responsible and not find the same fate as a character in Emily Zola's novel when he wrote"Boche had known a joiner who had stripped stark naked in the rue Saint-Martin and did the polka-he was an Absinthe Drinker"

Philadelphia has gone Gratefully Guilty

OMG... A weekend with real sunshine, a fired-up grill and cheerful folk. Where am I?

It's been Aces back to back and the town has gone Guilty. The Change of Seasons celebration feels long overdue and Philadelphia has become self-indulgence central. Maybe it's the anticipation of watching the Phillies at The Bank or the thought of dining al Fresco without mittens.

As one of the Opulent Eight(more on this special status to come), I am a Guilty Provocator. With that VIP clout, I always have Primo seats to the party. If you have been looking for a reason to indulge, there's a bright light at the end of Winter's long tunnel.

With July's Further Show at The Mann calling, a change in the season is a definite reason to party. To borrow a line from one of my favorite Grateful Dead songs, Althea, "You know this space is getting hot."

I do not think I have ever seen the local landscape with more pent-up Guilty Dreams. If you have not already done so, open the door to Decadence this summer and welcome an old friend to a table filled with sweet temptation. That Sainted Savior is always at the top of my Guiltorious guest list.

Needing more and exploring uncharted Guilty waters

I am craving an unforgettable decadent adventure. I am not referring to the long-rumored, "Thin Mint's taking me to Bora Bora adventure," but rather a remarkable romp of enormous Epicurean interest. My Guilty Pleasure-seeking soul is restless and I long for some seasonally-adjusted salvation. Forgive me Rabbi M, I need more than I am getting at home.

Benjamin Franklin and Elana Bardot would understand.

The endless snow of 2010 has pushed me over the edge of reason and to fully recover, I need to experience first hand a mass invasion of culinary innovation. Two or three new treasures from the curry kitchens of Indonesia is just the beginning of my journey. I want my well-earned adventure to be global in scope and spiritual in nature. It's the Guilty Pleasure Creed.

After the longest winter on record, it's the perfect time to discover and then rave about a selection of new exotic foods and adult beverages from Provence Catering. One taste and my gourmet dining adventure is full bloom. There, before all that is personally pleasing, I am captivated by the aromatic wafting of unfamiliar spices and foreign fragrances. It's an unforgettable moment in time. Is there anything better than taking the time to slowly savor the incredible flavors of nature's bounty from the far corners of the world? Yeah Baby!

It's menu development time in our little Guilty corner of the world and we are preparing to set sail into uncharted waters. All aboard the PCSS Guilty Pleasure. It's a top scecret mission. Creativity is the word and incredible new foods are our mission. You must dive deep into recipe rancor. No life jackets or loose lips are allowed.

g'day from an Aussie

From one of our readers:

G’day there,

I believe I deserve to be part of the Guilty Pleasure Club.

I have travelled miles for the perfect milk shake, eaten cereal at 2am, driven 4 hours for my favourite Chinese food, have taken a 2 hour flight for the best coffee and bagel in the world and as for baklava, I’m an Aussie/Greek, of course I have a second fridge full of home made baklava. LOL

It seems one of my wines got a mention on Guilty Pleasures, The Innocent Viognier, bet you can’t guess what my Shiraz wine is called.

THE GUILTY of course. LOL

Where are you guys based?

My vineyard/winery is in Mildura, Australia, a small city in Outback Australia. To find Mildura you head 360 miles North of Melbourne, go past Mildura and you will find yourself in Outback Australia. I mentioned miles, because I’m assuming you are Americans.

Nice place America, I spend around 12 weeks a year working and playing over there.

Cheers

The Guilty Judge

George Shinas

Shinas Estate Winery

Web www.shinasestate.com

Thanks to George for sending in his guilty pleasures. George, we are based out of Jeffersonville, PA near Philadelphia. Of course you can be a part of the club, consider yourself a member!

Decadent and Dreamy Events

NATIONAL COMMITMENT DAY

LISA & SUSAN'S SPECIAL DAY

On Valentine's Day 2010, Provence Catering and friends gave to an incredible couple the dream event of their lifetime. Sue and Lisa competed in and won a free commitment ceremony to mark the inaugural National Commitment Day celebration.

It was a dream event! Held at the incredible Chestnut Club in center city that was artfully accented with lighting from Brian Toner & Eventions Productions lighting and incredible linens, chairs & china from Select Event Rental.

The incredible couple was committed in a wonderful ceremony conducted by Journey's of the Heart, as the room was filled with the incredible piano and guitar sounds of Amy Evinger. After the ceremony the guests enjoyed a decadent champagne presentation by Sandy O and The Creative Juice Group, while feasting on the incredible tastes of Provence Catering. The delicious champagne provided by Frank's Union Wine Mart was complimented by custom labeled wines from New Hope Winery. As the guests danced to the sounds of East Coast Event Group DJ's and enjoyed the Photo Booth from Shutterbooth, they paused to enjoy the happiness of this incredible couple. The room was filled with floral from Natural Designs Floral and the entire evening was captured forever by the talented eye of Alyssa Maloff Photography. In addition to the incredible foods from Provence Catering, the guests loved the Absolut Vodka blended with Organic Juices from Eco-Bar. The final decadent touch was the National Commitment Day Ice Sculpture by Ice Concepts.

Surving the Winter of 2010-Guilty style

Can you believe, it is snowing again? The Winter of 2010 has been maddening to some and no problem to others. It's all a matter of perspective and proper planning.

Our endless winter has been quite challenge. From the snow drifts worthy of the NBA to the ice hockey rink in the back yard, February in Pennsylvania has an Antarctic decor and frozen tundra motif. The fury of winter has been relentless.

Some people escape to the islands. Some folks seek comfort at the Rum Bar. Others slip into a cabin fever coma.

On Guilty Blvd., our focus is more innovative. We know that the onset of winter is the perfect to time to explore new Guilty Pleasures. From Sake soaked Sea Bass to Jumbo Prawns in a Mango Cream Sauce to Lobster Gnocchi with Truffle butter, we know how prepare for a drop in the barometric pressure.

I love seafood in February especially lathered in an incredibly rich sauce. Soaking up every last morsel on my plate is the best way to get ready for the warmer weather and always a Guilty Pleasure.

Surviving the snow in style takes a decadent demeanor. On that subject, I am Guilty as Charged.

Jamon Iberico (The Grand Dame of Pork)

As the snow begins and the forecasters speak of another 18-24 inches with white out conditions, I smile endlessly as I imagine the joys of today's purchase from Di Bruno Brothers 9th Street. On my trip to purchase a few quality olive oils for gift baskets, I looked up and saw the sign that changed my day and my view point on the coming storm.

"Jamon Iberico" Ham from Spain

Without even knowing a price, I asked for 3/4 lbs. This incredible ham, made from the Iberian Hogs (the black footed ones) is considered the world's finest. The Pata Negra graze free range on a diet high in acorns. This diet and the conditions of the region combined with a history of production make this "The Famed Ham of Spain."

I left Di Bruno Brothers a few dollars poorer but ready to tackle a blizzard knowing that at any moment I can snack on this true epicurean delight. I grabbed a few crusty breads and imagined the day ahead as I consider the Malbec I will choose or the subtle flavors of Jamon Iberico combined with A Shinas Estate 2008 "The Innocent" Viognier. Bring on the snow!

If you wish to try this incredible ham you need to head to 9th steet and Di Brunos, the only place in Philadelphia that sells Jamon Iberico.

Grocery shopping for the Whiteout is a Glorious Quest...Guilty Style

Well, it's here. "Whiteout Central" or to borrow a phrase from President Obama's weekly address, "Snowmageddon" has come to town with a ferocious fury.

We all thought the snowstorm of the season was six weeks ago just before Christmas. We paid our icy dues in December. One and done is how we like our East Coast urban blizzards. Anything more, is way too Wisconsin for me.

Today's wintry blast was a developing winter storm system for over week. We knew a "paralyzing blizzard" was making a beeline for the Delaware Valley. Yet, we cared more about making Guiltorious plans for the big game more than preparing for the big snow.

However, all of that changed early Thursday morning just before sunrise as the mad dash to the stores began. From 6 am on, it was mayhem at the market. All day long the grocery stores were jam-packed with crazed shoppers and there was some serious Guilty Pleasure procurement going down.

No matter how much we smirk at our neighbor's shopping cart filled with Krispy Kreme donuts, Doritos and Dove Bars, our own shopping choices always seem to be a decadent basket of impulsive guilty delights. Especially when your staring down a Weekend Whiteout and knowing that your Super Bowl party may be a family affair.

When it comes to Guiltorious shopping for major events like the Super Bowl, we pride ourselves on being patient and pragmatic. However, throw in a blizzard of biblical proportions with the weather wackos and you need to be innovative and ingenius.

That means going on an off-hour shopping spree early Friday morning. The store shelves were badly ransacked from the night before. I carefully scoured the each aisle looking for those essential Guilty Pleasures that hopefully had been overlooked by the masses.

No shopping list is necessary or preferred when wandering the store on a Guilty Crusade. You cannot be impulsive with a shopping list. However, in the better-safe-than-sorry tradition of Zombieland's Survival Rule # 2 you must "Double Tap" all of your Guilty favorites. That means purchasing at least two packages of every bonafide Guilty Pleasure that makes past your corruptible filter and into your shopping cart. Do not learn the hard way that the last Bratwurst on the block was a midnight snack for Otis, the hound of happiness.

Our Don Quixote-like quest yielded five different types of gourmet sausage, six distinct mustard's and four artisan breads from two bakeries. When the supermarket is running low on your favorite Guilty Pleasures you must remain optimistic and dare to "Dream the impossible dream."

On Planet Guilty, you must embrace "Slippa" sanity and settling down easy.

The Maturation process has so many wonderful surprises in store for us. From the ear wax of the Titans to eyesight slightly north of Ray Charles Blvd. to a sloth-like metabolism rate, crossing the 50 marker is not like Crossing Delancey. (Besides Amy Irving couldn't hold a candle to Thin Mint.)It's more like changing uniforms, but staying on the same team.

You're the same player, you just look a little more evolved. This is the moment in time when your character and soul really outshine your physical appearence to the world.

The more positive your persona, the better you look. The more generous you are with your time and resources, the more you will radiate. The more you glow, the more you appreciate that you MUST make the time to savor those individual Guilty Pleasures. It's one of the best ways to stay positive and vibrant.

This is a non-negotiable point on Planet Guilty. Remember, you must stringently adhere to the now-famous ReLounging Doctrine first disclosed in a groundbreaking posting on the GPC blog last October. This little known lifestyle policy was reportedly negotiated by Presidents Reagan and Gorbachev at their 1986 summit conference in Reykjavik, Iceland.

The Guilturious rewards are always immediate and your personal satisfaction will be remarkable. On this snowy winter morning, my sweet little indulgence is hanging with Otis and sipping minted hot cocoa in the dark wearing my favorite fuzzy woolen "slippas."

It's one of my secrets to keeping sane and settling down easy.