I want mine, you got yours

The event calendar has slowed to a crawl with several elegant Holiday dinners going out the door.  As the kitchen begins to exhale, the chefs don their Elf costumes, reroute the sled and shop like it's judgement day. So many gifts to purchase and so much traffic to avoid.  It's like appearing in an episode of Survivor. Making up for lost time is easier said than done, but we do it deftly.  And we do it with love. We have some very dedicated employees with joyous families.  Putting your family first is the greatest Guilty Pleasure of all.  But so is taking care of yourself.  The magic of shopping for others only works if you spoil yourself as well.

Sometimes it's procuring a rare Brazilian Rum like Leblon Cachaca.  That Amazon firewater works for me. If you have not stoked the embers with that Guilty Pleasure, you are missing a special moment. Other times it's a timeless fashion like Thin Mint's hand sewn boots from Portland Oregon.  The quality of her new leather boots is magnificent and the look is sublime. This ability to balance the beam between giving and receiving will always enrich to your good character.  Do not miss out on the opportunity to play it forward.  It's so worth it!

One domain where Guilty definitely knows his good fortune, is the catering kitchen. I may be in charge in the Executive Suite, but once I walk through the commissary doors, everything changes. Thin Mint is the Boss and she's the BOMB .  With a refined pallet and extensive knowledge base, Thin Mint is the keeper of the flame. She is remarkable on so many levels.  Just ask any of our staff or discerning clentele.  With a warm smile or cool refrain, our Executive Chef can teach, motivate, delegate and inspire.

Our staff is always learning new techniques and our clients benefit from that evolution. The need for menu development never stops and our staff knows that innovation can happen 24/7. For a Guilty Soul like me, it's always fun in the kitchen.  It's hard not to be gleeful when there's sweet and savory to explore.  Like a New Year's Day parade, an impromptu Guilty Pleasure moment is always worthy of the front row.  Here's a photo from Thursday's dessert sampling.  It's good to be Guilty.  Every Day!!!

Living Well 24/7 in Malaysia is a Guilty Path

Interest in the Guilty Pleasures Club has never been higher and everyone in the commissary can feel the buzz. We are one humorous article away from stardom and our Guilty vision will not be denied.  The GPC has developed a loyal following that spans the globe and our readership increases everyday. There have been countless requests for online interviews and Podcasts.  And why not, our club members have great self-esteem, big time dreams and excellent taste. It's an awesome vibe to inspire so many overachievers. Guilty may trumpet the message, but the credit goes to our culinary team and event staff.  We have touched a very hot topic.  Living Well 24/7 is our Guilty Mission.

One of the first things you learn in a Guilty Neighborhood is that there are many benefits to having a bountiful pantry and then celebrating your full plate.  However, it's the sharing of your good fortune that really illuminates your Guilty Path to enlightenment. The beacons of light that you exchange along the journey become the jewels you cherish the most.

Nowhere is the passion for Guilty Pleasures more popular than in the island country of Malaysia. With it's British heritage, Malaysia is more of a regional empire than a country. Take a left at Singapore, cross the South China Sea and you have arrived in one of the worlds most incredible nations. Malaysia a booming economy, incredible cities, beautiful beaches, rain forests and lots of Guilty Pleasures Aficionado's looking to share their favorites with Guilty, Thin Mint and the gang. How great is that?


The food in Malaysia looks incredible and so fresh.  The open air markets capture your pallet and enrich your epicurean experience.  Planning our trip is a 2014 project.  We cannot wait spend weeks exploring Malaysia and savoring the many Guilty Pleasures in the Far East.  We love all adventures, but especially tropical adventures.  It looks like Guilty has found his beach.

Traveling globally and then dining locally makes for a wonderful trek.  We are so there!

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

Many of our club members have encouraged us to discuss food as an aphrodisiac. Of course you get extra credit for creating Sexy Food.  Thin Mint and myself eagerly accepted the challenge of exploring the history, the myths, the secrets and the truth about the connection between food and increased sexual enjoyment. For example, melted Chocolats Valrhona has many life enriching qualities.

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

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.

Winter Chills and Hot Chocolate Dreams

Without much warning, winter has arrived in Philadelphia with a bad attitude.  BAM!! Breakout the Kashmir sweater and fur lined slippers because the bitter cold has made itself quite comfy in our daily forecast. As we mature nothing gets old quicker than the piercing cold weather. The nose runs, the legs ache, and the shivering persist. Nothing becomes more of a Guilty Pleasure than steaming hot cocoa in my favorite holiday mug... but don't forget the marshmallows!  Chef Ameerah makes our own.  There is no better way to combat the chattering teeth, numb toes, and frost bitten fingers than a comforting mug of Thin Mint's hot cocoa.  She is a hot beverage Aficionado who knows that hot loves hot.    

Why not go beyond the powder and packets this year.  Living Well in Winter means savoring homemade hot cocoa and marshmallows.  It's always an awe inspiring Guilty Pleasure moment.  

Guilty's Kryptonite

Guilty's Kryptonite

I am so blessed.  Great kids, amazing wife and talented employees who are passionate about their careers. You might say Guilty has arrived. With readership of our blog really exploding, my role is changing.  Everyday I have new Guilty Pleasures to review, sample  and enjoy.  It never stops.  Woohoooooo!!!

Whether it's tasting a skillfully prepared delicacy in the catering commissary or  cooking an adventurous meal at home with Thin Mint, we know how to nosh and review.  Along the way, we have our favorites.  These epicurean treasures and not so secret relaxation techniques bring much personal pleasure to my self-indulgent lifestyle. However, only a few precious menu items make the final cut when it's time make a list of Guilty's Kryptonite.  Over the next few weeks we will examine those Guilty delights   It's  a rare and special occasion when we find a new item to add to Guilty's secret list.  Let's look into the belly of the Wok.  

Leading off for the Captain of the Guilties is Pork Fried Rice from Brooklyn NY or Boston's Chinatown.  OMG!  I could eat this delicious rice dish at least once a day, There's a hole in the wall hut on Flatbush Ave in Brooklyn that has the best Pork Fried Rice on the planet.  Their rice dish is not too greasy and it comes with a heaping amount of eggs, scalllions, crunchy bean sprouts  and tender roast pork.  The smokey flavor is unlike any other pork fried rice I have ever eaten.  And I have eaten a lot!  Some with MSG and most without.  The pork fried rice at this local treasure tastes incredible and I always wander off of the Belt Parkway looking for blissful salvation.  This takeout masterpiece really hits the spot and makes me Gleefully Guilty.  

Boston's Chinatown is gritty and cold. Located in the furniture district, the area lacks warmth and streets can get a little seedy.  However you did not take Orange Line to see the architecture and wander about. You came for the Asian Taste Off.  You came for great conversation and yet you savored spices that made your mouth numb. Oh the irony of it all.  

The pork fried rice in Boston has a darker color than other Chinatown's. The flavor definitely took some getting used to. That's because most places on Washington Street used too much soy sauce. Fortunately, Guilty found several Chinese Cafe's that got it right. I have been known to daydream about enjoying a heaping portion of their stir fried magic. There are several great restaurants on my Chinatown list. You must go have a dumpling feast at the Gourmet Dumpling House  The dumplings are amazing and definitely worth the long wait.  

I especially love the menu at  the Best Little Restaurant on Hudson Street.  Their pork fried rice has great flavor and the huge portions are impressive. I always top off Guilty's gigantic bowl of rice with several scoops of a pork-laden Lobster sauce that makes me weak in the knees. Nothing beats pork on top of pork when the Guilty come marching in.  

Then I devour this bowl of Guilty Heaven with buckets of hot Chinese mustard.  Your sinuses will be dancing as your tummy sings out a different tune.  Look out Stagger Lee.  This staple from my college years is one of bedrocks of my personal pleasures.    

Teddy Roosevelt was a Guilty visionary, Ben was a Guilty Inventor and Bardot was a Guilty Prize.

Teddy Roosevelt was a Guilty visionary, Ben was a Guilty Inventor and Bardot was a Guilty Prize.

There has been much rumored-speculation and lively debate that the Guilty Pleasures Club was founded in 1899 by future United States President Theodore Roosevelt after leading a small regiment in Cuba known as the Rough Riders, earning himself the Medal of Honor.

Upon his return from the Spanish-American War, Roosevelt embarked upon an ambitious crusade to establish a national park system and protect our natural resources for coming generations. The visionary conservationist reportedly served as an Ambassador of Guilty Pleasures when Teddy developed the famed "Take Three" as he sipped fine French Cognac , dined on freshly caught rainbow trout and smoked a top secret Cuban blend in the Wyoming wilderness while surveying Yellowstone National Park.  We have no doubt that our youngest American President experienced first hand the mystical rejuvenating powers of Guilty Pleasure pursuits.

His love of Bratwurst, hunting, the outdoors, an occasional decanter of Rum and a desire to "speak softly, but carry a big stick," gave him worldwide credibility and prominence. As as the 26th US President, Roosevelt was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for negotiating the end of the Russo-Japanese War .

Guilty Pleasure historians have long debated whether the GPC was founded in 1899 by this native New Yorker.  However, it's been reported that recently discovered manuscripts found hidden in a wine cellar in the Bordeaux region of France indicate that approximately 110 years earlier, a visiting Dr. Benjamin Franklin and a local Skinny Chick, Elana Bardot, created the Guilty Pleasures Club to celebrate their love of aged French Red Wines, silk pajamas, hot mineral bathes and the epicurean delicacies from the legendary chefs at the Palace of Versailles.

The French passion for rich sauces, duck fat and beautiful women made Paris the perfect location for Dr. Franklin's opulent desires. The Great Statesmen  from Philadelphia understood that the correlation between the French diet and their surprising good health was because they embraced their dicey desires at mealtime and especially at breakfast.  Ben was impressed.  Besides his role in the Continental Congress, Ben was also a Founding Father of the Guilty Pleasures lifestyle.  More than a Statesman, the decadent Dr. Franklin was a great innovator, inventor and Social commentator. 

The Franklin stove was not his only lasting lifestyle invention. Apparently while in France, Franklin's pen name changed from Silence Dogood to Murmur Feelgood. Did the Guilty Pleasures Club bear his signature lust for the good life?

Those skinny Bardot Babes were quite influential when it came to enjoying Guilty Pleasures. There is a reason Dr. Franklin lived such a long and eventful guiltorius life. Who would want leave a young Bardot?

Premium Taste: ALWAYS...Shop online:FAITHFULLY...Guilty Pleasure Club member: ABSOLUTELY

The Guilty Pleasures Club has very exciting news. The readership of our lifestyle blog has increased more than tenfold in the past sixty days and we are looking for luxury advertisers looking to market premium products.  We now have an avid worldwide audience that's wants learn more about the Guilty Pleasure Club and the self-indulgent lifestyle that we champion.  They window shop online and enjoy the premier products we savor as well.  "Do you take credit cards?"  Oh yes we do!

Based on the rave reviews and high web traffic we are receiving, our club members are affluent consumers who want to purchase luxury goods and services online.  Any businesses looking to reach our readership should email us at info@provencecatering.com. Banner ad space is available.  The GPC has a very passionate, successful and loyal club membership.  They are the epitome of New Luxury and only want to experience life in the first person.

From Philadelphia to Malaysia to the Ukraine we have adventurous club members who want their pursuit of Living Well to include all of their favorite Guilty Pleasures These key decision makers have strong character, high disposable incomes and love to shop.  Guilty Pleasure aficionados know their thrilling journey will be a winding road that requires a boundless spirit and insatiable appetite.  Of course, club members wouldn't want it any other way. Welcome to better days ahead Living Well on Guilty side of life.

Dancing poolside at Bluefields Bay is always a Guilty Pleasure.

Wow it's really bitter cold outside, especially for early December.  Unfortunately, the weather on the East Coast is about to get considerably worse this weekend. Remember last year when everyone was complaining that it was too hot for the Holidays. Too hot??  Were they serious?  It my world it's never too hot for the Holidays unless it's 90 degrees and I am dancing poolside with Thin Mint in Bluefields Bay, Jamaica.  But that's a different kind of hot, now isn't it?  Smokin' hot of course.

What could be better than chillin' underneath an Almond tree on December 25th, especially with an Ultimate Mudslide or two in hand?  And don't forget those tantalizing tropical breezes!  There is no greater Guilty Pleasure anywhere than being at these amazing Villas in Jamaica for Christmas and New Years.  The Moncure Family and their staff can anticipate all of your Guilty Pleasures. Their six pristine properties provide world class service and hospitality.  The delicious food at each Villa is a five star dining experience. Renting a Villa from the Moncure's is very similar to an opulent stay at the Ritz Carlton, but it's much more private and Guiltorious. Honeymooners should take notice of the Cottonwood Cottage. It's the perfect location for a very luxurious, active and romantic week in the Caribbean.  After 24 years, it's time to plan our return trip.

Remarking that it was too warm in December was last year's bellyache.  This year it's the other side of coin in the City of Brotherly Love and we need to be proactive. So lets light the fireplace on Pine Street, pass the steaming hot cocoa in Berwyn and share the Dancing Bear blanket in Trooper. Mercy me, we still have over three months to Springtime.

We definitely both need a vacation intervention by the Lords of Guilt.  Now wouldn't that be miraculous!!!

It's Here! It's Here!! The Hump Day Hurrah has arrived!!!

Giving anytime of year, especially to those less fortunate at the Holidays, is always a pleasure.  Guilty or not, we applaud this act of kindness. Today's Hump Day Hurrah from Provence Catering is a recognition of two outstanding organizations working together to help families in crisis.


The first Hurrah recognizes The Laurel House of Norristown.  We have long supported the tireless and amazing work of this local charity.  They have rescued countless abused women from domestic violence and set them on a path of putting their life in order.    Charitable donations, job opportunities and clothing are always welcome.

Villanova University for their continued generosity to local charities and families in need. From the President's office to the classroom, Villanova is all about world class education and helping others.  As is the case at many of the region's premier universities, Provence Catering is honored to make them an exceptional host when it matters the most.  Great job Father Pete and Team Villanova!

Together along with Provence Catering, these two outstanding local institutions made a lot of people smile at the at The Laurel House
with a delicious Holiday meal.

Hump Day Hurrah is coming and lets plan your 2014 Guilty Pleasures Party

Hump Day at Provence Catering is coming and you know that means....You know what that means. Tomorrow is our Hump Day Hurrah and we have rock stars in the community to recognize.

Come cheer us on and like us on Facebook.  You also visit us at www.provencecatering.com.   I hope your hungry because it's time plan your Guilty Pleasures Party.  We would love to spoil you and your guests in 2014.