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.