Guilty's Kriptonite

Pork Fried Rice from Brooklyn NY or Boston's Chinatown.  OMG!  I could eat this delicious rice dish at least once a day,

Moons of November. It's time to howl like a Hound Dog gone acourtin'.

October fades and the magical beauty of Autumn is in full display. The leaves are bursting with Terra Cotta and Burnt Orange. The fall colors are a breathtaking mosaic and it's the second best show around.


The top dog in nature's bag of tricks is the awe-inspiring orb illuminated in the sky. The Moons of November are remarkable and a celestial gateway to the galaxy. The autumn air is crisp and the moon's fiery glow lights the heavens with the brilliance of a White Diamond. Like the dreams we share for our children, the optimism garnered is endless.

While watching the Fightin' Phils win this evening with a breakout game from Ryan Howard at Yankee Stadium, stoke up the fire pit. Open your favorite single malt scotch. Howl like Hound Dog gone a courtin. It's time to unfurl the Guilty Flag. The lunar moment is yours and the time for Guilty Pleasures is at hand.

Vodka

An often misunderstood and confusing product that has many loyal followers, but often for the wrong reasons is the United States Domestic Vodkas. They are classified as neutral spirits (treated after distillation as to be without distinctive character , aroma, taste & color). These Vodkas are often only distinguishable by marketing & costs. My guilty pleasure is the premium quality Vodkas. The Russian & Polish Vodkas that are made as a symbol of National Pride for Russia, Poland & Swedish Countries alike.

Vodkas are distilled from many items including wheat, rye, potatoes and molasses. Russia distillers look down upon potatoes and prefer wheat, while Polish Vodkas prefer rye's and the Swedish & Baltic Countries prefer wheat or molasses. Each has a wonderful distinctive flavor & aroma unique to the region. Vodkas history dates back to 988 A.D. in the Kiev (Now the Ukraine).

There is a strong link to the growth of Christianity in Russia as a result of the churches allowance for Vodka consumption as part of rituals. Vodka grew throughout Poland & the Swedish Countries in the 15th century to become the drink of choice in the cold winters.

If you have not had a vodka tasting for yourself I suggest you sample a few premium varieties and see the difference. Better yet, book an event with Provence Catering and allow us to do a tutored tasting as part of your event. Ask about our free vodka tasting bars as part of your wedding or event.

When selecting Russian Vodkas be sure to look for the Wyborowy (Premium) or Luksusowy (Deluxe) label. Be sure to contact Provence Catering for beverage suggestions & specialty drink recipes. Our planners love to match premium spirits with our premium food and beverage. It's Martini Time!!!!!!!!

Liver, Bacon & Onions!

Yes, You read that right! A secret pleasure, one that is not indulged in often, but a pleasure none the less! I do not share this with non-foodies who would certainly shun me and turn away in disgust but I feel that on here, among so many other foodies I can confess. "I admit, I am powerless to Calves liver saute with bacon & onions"

Yesterday, I had the great pleasure of trying some tender and rich Calves liver saute with bacon & sweet red onions. The Piper Tavern in Bucks County was the location and the meal was perfect for a beautiful fall day. Just close your eyes and imagine: Bacon rendered of its fat, sweet onions gently caramelized until golden in the rendered fat. Sweet calves liver seasoned to perfection and lightly floured then pan fried in the bacon fat & butter until golden. A hint of cream added to the pan to increase the decadence as the onions & bacon are added back to the pan. Sounds like heaven to me. For us foodies, these simple Guilty Pleasures are often the cornerstones of great memories and incredible feasts. This Guilty Pleasure may not be for everyone but for us foodies it is a joy and OFFAL pleasure!

The Guilty Pleasures Re-Lounging Doctrine and the end of the Cold War...

Leadership comes with many drum beats. The pace quickens, we accelerate. The pace explodes, we excel. After reaching the pinnacle of peerless performance, the pace powers down. It's a very rewarding experience. Professionals like us thrive under pressure and star in the spotlight.

At the end of a long work day, La Familia takes over and relounging is the order of the day. Yes re-lounging. When the shadows of the day are long, lounging is just not enough. You need to take that next step and ease down into the Valley of Fun .


You really have no other option. This sequence of events is morally mandated by the Guilty Pleasure Re-Lounging Doctrine. This little known lifestyle policy was reportedly negotiated by Presidents Reagan and Gorbachev at their 1986 summit conference in Reykjavik, Iceland. The two most powerful men in the world unanimously decreed that you must re-lounge to fully decompress. Reagan said it was the American Dream to achieve a gleeful state of happy. "Halfway home, will not get it done Mr. Gorbachev," the former 40th U.S. President may have nobly declared.

Many political historians now believe that this groundbreaking joint executive ruling led to the tearing down of the Berlin Wall and the end of the Cold War.

For me, relaxing means consorting with a 95 pound puppy, wooing an always-captivating skinny chick and chillin with two remarkable teenagers. Afterwards, I ascend to the next level of private enjoyment required by the Re-Lounging Doctrine. Sometimes it's surfing the net for great guilty vacations. Other times it's a very smooth tequila and the Colbert Report. Occasionally it's a lunar gaze and smoke signals.

Each of us takes a different path to Guiltyville and the personal pleasures that follow. Remember to strictly follow the Re-Lounging Doctrine. There is no more important guilty pleasure than nourishing the body and re-lounging the spirit.

If only room service was part of that far-reaching Presidential decree.

We are big fans of Dr. Franklin and Decadent Dining. That makes us Guilty as charged of living a legendary life....

The self-indulgent side of life was toasted today in Lumberton NJ as we catered a Guilty Pleasures luncheon featuring Filet Mignon soaked in roasted shallot butter. On decree from the secret brain trust of the Guilty Pleasures Club, no calorie counting was allowed in this South Jersey hamlet on October 25th as spicy french fries and beer-battered onion rings provided the perfect accompaniments to our exceptionally tender tenderloin.

Individually prepared by Chef Rocco and Chef Mandy, the Banana's Foster provided a wickedly delicious dessert. This flambeed Mari Gras favorite is always a GPC attention getter. Second servings are highly-recommended.



This decadent luncheon was worthy of a Guilties nomination and copycatting is enthusiastically encouraged. After all, the pursuit of happiness is a groundbreaking inalienable right granted by the U.S. Constitution. It has been long rumored that the esteemed Dr. Benjamin Franklin, looking to hide a secret life, was an orginial member of the Guilty Pleasures Club. We are still waiting on official confirmation. There is no better way to celebrate the monumental moments in your life than with an event extraordinaire catered by Provence.

To paraphrase the wisdom and visionary words of our most-famous local founding father.......

Live Well. Live Guilty. Live a Legendary life!

Food as an aphrodisiac. Guilty Pleasure facts and fantasy....

Several of our loyal readers have suggested that we discuss food as an aphrodisiac. We eagerly accepted the challenge of exploring the history, the myths, the secrets and the truth about the connection between food and increased sexual enjoyment. Melted Chocolats Valrhona has many life enriching qualities.


Since winter is the perfect to time to reve up your romance, the experts on Guilty Street will be sampling secret love potions, spicy concoctions and sexy souffles. Over the next few weeks we will focus on the history of aphrodisiacs, the myths, the facts and the fantasies.

We invite personal reflections, creative suggestions and fiery stories. When it comes to researching the mysteries of Amore, who says trial and error is a bad thing.

Truffles: The Equivalent of Culinary Gold

Whether it is The Black Truffles from the Perigold Region of France or the White Truffles from the Piedmont Region of Italy, there is no greater food indulgence than the truffle. Round, warty and irregular are not often words that infer decadence, greatness and grandeur, but in this case that is quite the opposite. Labeled by the great foodie Brillat-Savarin as the "Diamond of the kitchen," these incredible fungi are the true gems of the Culinary World! These gems of the food world often fetch between $250.00-400.00 per pound and are located using specially trained pigs or dogs. This week Provence Catering will blend two incredible "Guilty Pleasures" into one great dish: Truffle Mac & Cheese! It was one of our wonderful items served at "The Taste & Tour of the Countryside." Rich, cheesy, and gooey flavored to perfection with truffles, this dish is sinful to the end.

Guilty Pleasures Club debut is a huge success!!!

On a night filled with many epicurean delights, the Guilty Pleasures Club debuted at the 16th Annual Taste of the Countryside. Club membership is skyrocketing as over 1000 guests visited Planet Guilty last evening.

A sophisticated audience enjoyed Chef Rocco's Truffle Macaroni & Cheese and gleefully danced with Nicole's Cupcake Trilogy. "As always. Provence's food is the best," proclaimed the savvy Director of Marketing for high-profile restaurateur.

Numerous Guiltorians raved about the Guilty Pleasure Club concept and we discussed future club activities. We have a lot of exciting ideas under consideration. The fun is just beginning.

Mac & Cheese

Rainy days make you scream for comfort. Macaroni and cheese is the ultimate comfort food. Add in a little ham, chicken, or broccoli and you have yourself a meal! Yesterday was the first day of the nor'easter and the chefs decided to bake delicious Macaroni and Cheese for lunch. Nothing better than that to spruce up a rainy day. I'll take my guilty pleasure with cheese and extra bread crumb toppings!