Room service for two is definitely a guilty pleasure. During my honeymoon a few weeks ago, my husband and I had a great routine going... breakfast, pool, lunch, beach, dinner, out and about. One day we decided to switch it up and order room service. We were delightfully surprised by the relaxation of this pleasure. Our peaceful meal on the balcony was wonderful. We sat for a couple hours watching the boats in the harbor and beach-goers swimming in the waves while enjoying our meal. This is a guilty pleasure I will always remember.
Have you ever eaten a bowl of cereal at 3 o'clock in the morning? Have you ever traveled many miles to get your favorite milkshake? Have you ever ordered cookies from a small bakery half way across the world? Have you ever driven an hour and a half to get your favorite chinese food? Have you ever bought an extra fridge to store the most delicious homemade baklava in order to have it when the craving strikes? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you are in the club.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Room Service for 2!
Room service for two is definitely a guilty pleasure. During my honeymoon a few weeks ago, my husband and I had a great routine going... breakfast, pool, lunch, beach, dinner, out and about. One day we decided to switch it up and order room service. We were delightfully surprised by the relaxation of this pleasure. Our peaceful meal on the balcony was wonderful. We sat for a couple hours watching the boats in the harbor and beach-goers swimming in the waves while enjoying our meal. This is a guilty pleasure I will always remember.
Guilty Pleasures Club is a daily celebration!
The Guilty Pleasure Club fascination is really taken off and we will have some very exciting GPC news that will be announced in the coming months. Blog readership is up dramatically and we are planning several high-profile GPC events throughout 2010. We will be debuting our Guilty Pleasures Club at the "Taste & Tour of the Countryside" on October 20th, 2009 at Drexelbrook Corporate Events Center.
Followers can meet the staff, share Guilty Pleasures and learn about our plans to make this lifestyle blog a celebration of the good life. Our pursuit of private time pleasures and the guiltorious moments is a wonderful journey. We are delighted to have you onboard everyday.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
If you want to find that gleeful State of Happy, have some hot Apple Pie. It's always a Guiltorious moment.
As the weather turns to brisk and the leaves turn to magic, our favorite foods of autumn are coming back into full bloom. Peach pie gives way to apple pie and the most American of all desserts is back in the spotlight.
The no more captivating aroma in any kitchen than the tummy pleasing smell of a hot apple pie coming out of the oven. You just break out in a gleeful state of happy.
I am BIG FAN of Thin Mint's legendary apple pie with brown sugar crunchies on top. The key to an exceptional apple pie is the crust. No store bought product will suffice. You need to roll that puppy with love. Thin Mint's crust is an all time guilty pleasure.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Back to back, home run attack, Ryan Howard won't change his post-season act.
I love October baseball. Don't you? This is something really special watching baseball when the air crisp and sun sinks low in the sky.
The entire city has come alive with excitement as the Phitin Phil's prepare to do battle with the other wannabes in the National League playoffs. Of course, they do not stand a chance against our heroes. That's because no one else has Ryan Howard. This left handed slugger is the reincarnation of the immortal Hank Greenberg and is probably the most-under appreciated superstar in all of baseball.
If Ryan played in New York City he would be a certified god. In Boston the lefty's legend would be taller than the Hancock Tower. In LA he would have his own private freeway. And in his hometown of St. Louis a statue of this vaunted home run king would replace the Arch as the city's most visited landmark.
Yet in Philadelphia, he has never received the adulation that he so richly deserves. I am not sure why. He was roundly criticized last year when he got off to a very slow start. Yet despite his two month slump, he wound up second in the MVP voting and easily could have won that pretigious award for the second time. His lack of acclaim might be racial. While I would hope local fans are that not hateful, lets be realistic.
I mean, think about it. Chase is worshipped. Cole is adored. Raul is a fan favorite. Jason has every young lady in the stadium seeking his attention. And Ryan is rarely is recognized for his amazing grace and power. He's Mr. Clutch and watching him swing for the fences is always a guilty pleasure.
Back to back is our mission and Ryan is ready to explode. Look for a big post season from Mr. Howard. He is my favorite Phillie!!
The entire city has come alive with excitement as the Phitin Phil's prepare to do battle with the other wannabes in the National League playoffs. Of course, they do not stand a chance against our heroes. That's because no one else has Ryan Howard. This left handed slugger is the reincarnation of the immortal Hank Greenberg and is probably the most-under appreciated superstar in all of baseball.
If Ryan played in New York City he would be a certified god. In Boston the lefty's legend would be taller than the Hancock Tower. In LA he would have his own private freeway. And in his hometown of St. Louis a statue of this vaunted home run king would replace the Arch as the city's most visited landmark.
Yet in Philadelphia, he has never received the adulation that he so richly deserves. I am not sure why. He was roundly criticized last year when he got off to a very slow start. Yet despite his two month slump, he wound up second in the MVP voting and easily could have won that pretigious award for the second time. His lack of acclaim might be racial. While I would hope local fans are that not hateful, lets be realistic.
I mean, think about it. Chase is worshipped. Cole is adored. Raul is a fan favorite. Jason has every young lady in the stadium seeking his attention. And Ryan is rarely is recognized for his amazing grace and power. He's Mr. Clutch and watching him swing for the fences is always a guilty pleasure.
Back to back is our mission and Ryan is ready to explode. Look for a big post season from Mr. Howard. He is my favorite Phillie!!
Saturday, October 3, 2009
The All American Burger
Sometimes we overlook the simple tastes & pleasures in pursuit of the newest & best. For the carnivores among us this would translate to ignoring the all mighty burger in search of Kobe Beef or Porter House Steak. There is certainly a great joy or even a guilty pleasure to be found in either of those high ticket & high quality items but not the simple joy of that first bite of a perfectly cooked Burger fresh off the broiler, grill or griddle.
There are as many opinions onto the methods of cooking a great burger as there are burger places. The basics though remain the same. Start with fresh ground beef, season at start and finish and do not, (I mean never, ever) flatten with a spatula or cooking utensil. This only squeezes the juices out & drys them to a shoe leather consistency.
The American Burger is one of those things that leaves memories that last a lifetime, brings joy to us all and creates cravings that must be met, before bovine withdrawl cripples us with desire. The type of cravings that cause you to smell the smoke, feel the subtle bits of fat melt away in your mouth and has you salivating as you drive to your favorite burger joint. One of mine is in Delaware County, Zac's http://www.zacsburgers.com/ is a great local place with its hand formed patties and thick rich shakes. There truly is nothing more satifying that a fresh, hand made burger cooked to order & seasoned to perfection.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Our son's Bar Mitzvah is a wonderful guiltless pleasure...
The Bar Mitzvah weekend of the Year is about to begin. Family and friends from around the globe are flying in to share in our happiness. It's a family experience unlike any other and the vibe is amazing.
As the caterer, we are there for many special family moments. Of course, it's vastly different when it's your own reception. There is so much to take care of on many levels. As the host, we are blessed to know the true joy watching your children shine in the limelight. It's an incredible experience.
Our son has been preparing for a year for this milestone event and he is ready to seize his moment. As parents, Thin Mint and I could not be more proud of both of our remarkable children. Being blessed with good health, great friends and good fortune is a wonderful guiltless pleasure.
As the caterer, we are there for many special family moments. Of course, it's vastly different when it's your own reception. There is so much to take care of on many levels. As the host, we are blessed to know the true joy watching your children shine in the limelight. It's an incredible experience.
Our son has been preparing for a year for this milestone event and he is ready to seize his moment. As parents, Thin Mint and I could not be more proud of both of our remarkable children. Being blessed with good health, great friends and good fortune is a wonderful guiltless pleasure.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Guilty Pleasures From Duportail House
Kate Frey, the Sales & Event Director at the incredible Duportail House in Chesterbrook, shared with us her two guilty pleasures which are as beautiful a marriage as one that occurs at Duportail House.
Maryland Crabs & Victory Beer! Her favorite haunt is Cantlers in Annapolis for the super fresh & perfectly seasoned Cheasapeake Bay crabs. The winner of Chesapeake Bay Magazine Best Crabs 2009 and featured in many articles, they season their crabs with a special house blend that can intruige even the most diificult taste buds. Combine those with any of the great beers & ales from Victory Brewing and you have a marriage made in heaven or at least Duportail. With 18 beers currently on the list and a development program that is always seeking to be a leader, they are the perfect match for so many foods. From the "Menacingly Delicious" Hop Devil made with whole American Hop flowers to the "Seductively Smooth" Festbier, there is one for every taste & style.
Kate loves the strong & rich flavors that compliment the spicy flavors of crabs. If you are not familiar with Duportail House, you need to explore this incredible venue for your next special event. The historic home which pre-dates Geoerge Washingtons encampment at Valley Forge features incredible grounds, beautiful fireplaces, and a site rich in charm and history. It is minutes from Routes 202, 422, 76 & 476 making it accessible from all directions. In addition, it is convenient to the many hotels of the Valley Forge area. Provence Catering would be happy to introduce you or assist you in planning your next special event at Duportail House.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
A Kosher Corned Beef Sandwich is always on the Guilty Pleasure Guest list.
I love a great Kosher corned beef sandwich. It's the favorite Guilty Pleasure of my people. Add in a little Cole slaw and you are in Guilty Town wearing a Yarmulke. That honor is quite appropriate since this tasty knosh is often the most invited guest to any Bar/Bat Mitzvah luncheon. Lean and flavorful, a corned beef sandwich piled-high, is the cornerstone of any life affirming Deli experience.
Over the years, I have had many revelations at the Deli counter. Fantastic Kosher deli food in America has it's epicurean roots in the lower East Side of New York City and an amazing hot corned beef sandwich with a spicy mustard is a right of passage. Didn't you just love the movie "Crossing Delancy?" We learned that the Pickle man was a good catch and that Jewish soul food could share the spotlight with Amy Irving.
While a trip to the famed Carnegie Deli is always a worthy part of a Guilty Pleasure excurison to Manhattan, we have many fantastic Deli's in Philadelphia that are also desrving of recognition. GrubStreet Philadelphia is a terrific online resource and they always have a good opinion on where to dine. Here is their take on the local corned beef landscape.
"Here in Philadelphia, the deli question's an interesting one. We're going to take the contrarian view and say the best Jewish deli sandwich in Philly, bar none, is the Restaurant School special at Koch's Deli. For a little under $10, you get corned beef, honey turkey, brisket, hot pepper cheese, cole slaw and Russian dressing on rye. The sandwich is a killer — and it's great.
Then there are other Jewish delis. Famous Fourth Street Delicatessen, Steve Stein's Famous, Kibitz in the City, Hershel's in the Reading Terminal Market, Hymie's Merion Deli and all the other suburban outposts...."
If you are going to New York City, you might want to check out the New York Times, NYC dining guru Frank Bruni pursuit of corned beef nirvana. There's more to sample in the Big Apple than just the Carnegie Deli. Bruni recently reviewed the new 2nd Avenue Deli. In his Diner's Journal blog, Bruni followed it up with an eloquent rant on Jewish Deli food and tradition.
Over the years, I have had many revelations at the Deli counter. Fantastic Kosher deli food in America has it's epicurean roots in the lower East Side of New York City and an amazing hot corned beef sandwich with a spicy mustard is a right of passage. Didn't you just love the movie "Crossing Delancy?" We learned that the Pickle man was a good catch and that Jewish soul food could share the spotlight with Amy Irving.
While a trip to the famed Carnegie Deli is always a worthy part of a Guilty Pleasure excurison to Manhattan, we have many fantastic Deli's in Philadelphia that are also desrving of recognition. GrubStreet Philadelphia is a terrific online resource and they always have a good opinion on where to dine. Here is their take on the local corned beef landscape.
"Here in Philadelphia, the deli question's an interesting one. We're going to take the contrarian view and say the best Jewish deli sandwich in Philly, bar none, is the Restaurant School special at Koch's Deli. For a little under $10, you get corned beef, honey turkey, brisket, hot pepper cheese, cole slaw and Russian dressing on rye. The sandwich is a killer — and it's great.
Then there are other Jewish delis. Famous Fourth Street Delicatessen, Steve Stein's Famous, Kibitz in the City, Hershel's in the Reading Terminal Market, Hymie's Merion Deli and all the other suburban outposts...."
If you are going to New York City, you might want to check out the New York Times, NYC dining guru Frank Bruni pursuit of corned beef nirvana. There's more to sample in the Big Apple than just the Carnegie Deli. Bruni recently reviewed the new 2nd Avenue Deli. In his Diner's Journal blog, Bruni followed it up with an eloquent rant on Jewish Deli food and tradition.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Guilty while skiing!
"this one is from my son:
he will never let us pass a Waffle Hut on the ski slopes. fresh waffle withchocolate drizzled all over......
It's got to be eaten outside in the snow or it just isn't right......"
Please continue to send us your guilty pleasures. We love to hear from our readers!
If you have a guilty pleasure that you would like to share, please send it in to jessa13.guiltypleasures@blogger.com. Thanks!
Guiltless Pleasure of Helping Children
Please note this touching story by a fellow hospitality professional! Provence Catering is proud to support the troops & their loved ones.
"Just after 911 my husband went over seas. I missed him very much and so did his kids. When I heard that the USO is collecting teddy bears to give out to the families of deployed soldiers I knew I had to get involved. The teddy bears (or other stuffed critters) are distributed to the loved ones when a family member is deployed. they are instructed to hug the bear every time they miss the deployed soldier".
"This display of affection is a way for the loved ones to find some peace and comfort."
"This display of affection is a way for the loved ones to find some peace and comfort."
She has set a goal of collecting 2,000 teddy bears by January 1, 2010.
Karen can be reached in her office: The Chestnut Club: 610-962-0111 if you have any questions.
Please help and send a brand new teddy bear or other furry friend to:
Karen Pecora
PO Box 188
Berwyn, PA 19312
Karen can be reached in her office: The Chestnut Club: 610-962-0111 if you have any questions.
Please help and send a brand new teddy bear or other furry friend to:
Karen Pecora
PO Box 188
Berwyn, PA 19312
No Matter what your views on world politics & the Military we cannot ignore or forget those who risk their lifes for our safety & their famalies! We are Provence Catering appluad their efforts & scarafice! Please do what you can & please always remember to sat Thank You to a Vet!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)