Wednesday, November 27, 2013

The best Holiday Hairdo ever is today's Hump Day Hurrah.

Today's Hump Day Hurrah is an appreciation of Holiday Hairdos around the globe. While there are some spectacular choices in Hollywood, we found his Holiness to be in first place.  Nothing beats Pope Benedict's stylish crop of snow white hair for the Holidays.  The former Pope makes an excellent point with his index finger to enjoy the Holidays this year


In this rare instance, I am taking the Pontiff's advice. That's because I am possessed with the concept of Living Well and enjoying life's many Guilty Pleasures.  It's true. Rumor has it that the Papal College has me on their High-Caloric Watch List. Somehow I have avoided their considerable scrutiny so far.

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 Plugra butter on everything?  Isn't extra flavor a good thing?"

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

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. Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and there is so much to savor with family and friends.  With my new Brandy sniffer in hand, a well-worn leather chair makes the perfect perch to watch the Cowboys stumble and fall.

I am doomed to marvel and explore. Doomed I tell you.

Monday, November 25, 2013

It's time to enjoy self-serving moments of Guiltorious pursuit

There have been many times where the Guilty Pleasures Club has been asked "What is the definition of a genuinely Guilty Act?"  Not criminal endeavors of course, but self-serving pursuits of pleasure in a "Moi" sort of way. Everyone has their own Guilty Pleasures and I have too many to count.

I have to ask myself, when and how did it all start.  Was it falling in love with the word Smorgasbord on vacation or could have been when I sneaked an ample sip of my dad's Crown Royal on a cruise ship to the Caribbean?  Looking back, the High School years offered many innocent and indulging moments of self-serving guilt.
When I am at work I have Guilty Pleasure moments all day.  Today's guilty pursuit might be looking for Thanksgiving treats in the pastry department while everyone is in a staff meeting?  The answer to that question is easy, "Guilty as charged." It's fairly well known that I have a PhD in sneaking food guilt. Besides, I make much more sense after eating two pieces of Chef Ameerah's outrageously delicious sour cream coffee cake. When it's still warm, there's a third piece calling my name.

I have been known to find personal satisfaction with an occasional case of "First in line Guilt."  When I am traveling, especially with family, my guiltorious behavior might include sneaking to the front of check-in line when you have only 20 minutes to catch a flight to Portland to go Salmon fishing in Astoria  And why not take drastic measures...the security line at Philadelphia International can be longer than a football field? "Me first" guilt never gets old. Anyway, missing that flight to Oregon was not an option. We both know that!

Then there is Summertime Guilt. Imagine stopping by a Wawa on a scorching July afternoon where the asphalt is 900 degrees and all that can cool you down is a ice cold milk shake or two? There's no time to drive to Ray's Drive-in for a fix. You need that liquid ice cream rush now! Heat salvation is always free pass anywhere on Planet Guilty.

Self preservation is a Guilty-filled experience. Accept the truth and join the club!

Friday, November 22, 2013

     Thanksgiving is blessed with so many Guilty Pleasures.



That’s because everyone has a special treasure chest filled with priceless Turkey Day memories. No matter what your age, eating well on Thanksgiving is always a wonderful Guilty Pleasure. This uniquely American celebration is the best of all family holidays and its prominent role in our culture can never be overstated.  No presents. No grudges. No calories. It's an exalted Epicurean journey.

I have always had a very strong connection to the last Thursday in November. Maybe it's because no portion control is permitted. It's the one day of the year where over-indulging is encouraged. In fact, there are bonus points for having three helpings of everything. There is no voice of moderation saying, "Do you really need another serving of Fennel au Gratin or Grilled Corn Pudding?"

Overeating is the norm and more importantly, so is slowing down. The leisurely pace of the meal is perfect for dining with great friends and family. There are so many incredible foods and guests to enjoy, so hurrying through your meal is never acceptable. The number one rule on Guilty Way is that you should savor the laughter more than the heavy cream. And that is high praise for good humor, because we really love the dairy aisle.

I particularly like the many enticing smells that engulf our home while preparing Thanksgiving Dinner. Each scent is gloriously distinct and the cooking process quickly becomes an all-day nostril conference. The unforgettable aroma of an Herbed Turkey and my legendary Veal-Almond stuffing slow-roasting in the oven, is always a defining holiday moment.

But my all time favorite Thanksgiving bouquet is the baking of the pies. Of course, this has become my guilty dilemma. There are so many pies to chose from and I want enjoy all of them.

“Leave no pie behind,” is my motto. Let’s analyze the magnitude of that Guilty-laden philosophy.

Why stop at Apple Crumb?  Why put down your fork at Pumpkin? Why wipe your chin after Coconut Custard? How can you eat Blueberry Pie and forgo the Peach Cobbler? The sampling of five or six home-baked pies has become one of my favorite Guilty Pleasure goals. I want to enjoy a variety much more than a full portion.

Fortunately, I have solved this Turkey Day dilemma. Our talented Pastry Chef Ameerah is a Thanksgiving Expert. She has created a wide selection of holiday desserts that look beautiful and taste incredible. Chef Ameerah baked beautiful large, extra large and nano Apple Crumb, Key Lime, Chocolate Pecan, Strawberry Cream and Pumpkin Pies. Her handwork was miraculous.

Her desserts are made with lots of love and it shows.  Ameerah's Thanksgiving pies are scrumptious and nothing less than Guilty gone Gobble Gobble.

Monday, September 17, 2012

Jersey's Best...It's Heirloom Tomato Time at the President's table

Don't you just love tomatoes grown in New Jersey?  These locally grown beauties are the best in flavor and firmness.  They taste delicious and are a dieter's delight.  There are so many scrumptious ways to enjoy this healthy Guilty Pleasure.

Recently we catered a VIP dinner al Fresco for a remarkable University President.  Our Heirloom tomato salad had her discerning dinner guests toasting Provence's Executive Chef.  World Class appreciates World Class.

Having our talented culinary team in spotlight and receiving accolades from one of the world's academic leaders is always a pleasure, guilty or not.

Pass the sherry vinaigrette please.

Friday, September 14, 2012

September Breezes are what pleases.

Guilty loves September and with good reason.  The Indian Summer weather is spectacular, business is booming and our kitchen is a creative playground. That's because the chefs love to make epicurean magic when seasons start to change.  Cool breezes flow and the vibe at the work table is inspiring.  From the Gourmet store to the campus to the Holiday table or to a pregame meal, our incredible food is always the star of the show.


Once Labor Day is in the rear view mirror, the month of September is filled with non-stop activity.  There are so many enjoyable ways to savor this moment in time.  My favorite Guilty pleasure is settling into my well worn recliner on Sunday to enjoy a football feast watching the Super Bowl Champs show great character.  For Guilty, game time is a gastronomic journey that starts off with flavorful lunch, like a Carrot and Caribbean lobster soup.  Topped with fresh Basil, this tasty dish from St. Martin is always a touchdown.

Of course, there's more to enjoy than a bowl of soup.  Living well means spoiling yourself and the one's you love.  My first course is usually scarfed down by the end of the first quarter.

The main course is always a game changer.  This Sunday I have an appointment scheduled with Dr. Rib and his famous Barbecue sauce.  Almost Jerk and not quite Memphis, this secret sauce is Guilty to the max.

Guilty loves September.

 

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Breaking News....The Tri-Centennial Commission selects Elkins Park

Well-informed sources have learned that the Tri-Centennial Commission has designated Elkin's Park East as the nation's first No Chores Chill Zone.  Residents near High School Park, Elkins Park, Melrose Park, Jenkintown, Abington and Glenside are encouraged to lay down their To-Do lists, grab their appetites and seek nourishment in the downtown Renaissance of Elkins Park.  Busy lives need exceptional local vendors who care more about the relationship than the sale. Fresh from Provence, Gourmet to Go, is that type of quality local business with great prepared food for great times.  Go Green, Shop local.  Thanks for Living Well.  


Friday, August 24, 2012

Last sunrise in paradise...

While it's sad to leave such a beautiful place, we are excited to be returning home!

But before we go...one last sunrise:

Friday, August 17, 2012

Guilty is taking a break...

where the living is easy, ...


the sunrise's breathtaking, ...


and the pool and ocean become one and the same!


 Ahh paradise.

Monday, August 13, 2012

Guilty's Due....

Guilty...Guilty...GUILTYYYYYYYYYYYY... Those tropical winds are calling my name and I am so there.


Our trip to the Seaside Cottage at Round Hill is going to be a life defining moment in a truly legendary life.
Check out these photos of our vacation villa in Jamaica.  OMG

http://www.jamaicavillas.com/villa/seaside-cottage-at-round-hill/photos


Monday, August 6, 2012

Sweet 16 Tournament of Luxury Vacation Villas

Vacation time is coming up fast and Guilty could not be happier.  We fly out next week.  When it comes to a well-earned island retreat in the lap of luxury, it's all about the numbers.  Three and half acres on a mind blowing beach. Nine nights in a beautiful island paradise.  Twenty seven gourmet meals prepared by a private chef and countless memories just waiting to be forged.

Guilty searched long and hard to find just the perfect family getaway. My extensive quest for summertime bliss was a labor of love and a commitment to our never ending  high standards for the Guilty Pleasures Club.  Fortunately, there were numerous vacation options available with cool island breezes, tropical sunsets and family friendly summertime prices. From St. Croix to the Roatan Island in Honduras to Nicaragua and back again, we found a treasure chest of stunningly beautiful villas that met all of our lofty expectations.  It was an exhausting and successful journey in search of opulence, family adventure and fiscal sanity.

In fact, in the end, there were so many amazing choices for us to consider, that making a decision was really the hardest part.  Would we escape to a breathtaking beach in El Salvador or the spectacular Pacific Coast of Nicaragua?  Would our stay in paradise be on an isolated beach on Bonaire or perhaps a cliff side palace in St. Martin?  Decisions, Decisions, Decisions.  I drove Thin Mint crazy at first.  But then, like the visionary she is, my beautiful bride of almost 23 years, saw the light, 

We decided to put together a Sweet 16 Tournament of Vacation Villas to share with our luxury-minded legions. However, just whittling the list of vacation options down to only 16 finalists was a difficult task unto itself.  Let alone, choosing just one.  Of course, as always, Guilty and Thin Mint would not be denied.  Here are the 16 finalists for the first ever Luxury Villa Showdown.  Just like March Madness, our fiercely competitive tournament is destined to become an annual event with stunning upsets and big surprises. 


http://www.vrbo.com/347898#photos Ranked # 1.  Incredible waterfront property in Honduras. The Kissing bug epidemic in Central America and Mexico scared us off.
 

http://www.vrbo.com/252475#photos  Bequia property ranked # 2.  Just an amazing home.  Airfare was a little high for a family vacation.
 

http://www.vrbo.com/257646#photos
Ranked # 3. Jamaican 3.5 acre waterfront estate. Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner. Lot's of  Guiltorious Glee looming with an outdoor shower and a well-trained staff of five.The Villa is next to the world famous Round Hill resort. www.roundhill.com  This spectacular property is a winner on every level with too many perks to pass up. 

http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p296694#photos  Ranked # 4.  St. Martin villa on Dawn Beach.  An awesome property.  Love this house, but we have been to the island too many already.

http://www.vrbo.com/143126#photos  Very nice property in St. Croix.  Ranked # 5.  I love this Villa on the cliffs 

http://www.vrbo.com/175999#photos  Ranked
# 6  Incredible all-inclusive for 6 people in Nicaragua.  OMG  Same kissing bug concerns.

http://www.vrbo.com/218687#photos  Ranked # 7.  A fantastic property on Grenada.

http://www.vrbo.com/219216#photos  Fabulous for the money in Nicaragua.  Ranked # 8. 

http://www.vrbo.com/216040#photos Ranked # 9.  A very nice Jamaican property with staff. 

http://www.vrbo.com/40246#photos  Great waterfront property in Antiqua.  Ranked # 10   

http://www.vrbo.com/233134#photos Wonderful oceanfront property in El Salvador.  Very tropical and inexpensive.  Ranked # 11

http://www.vrbo.com/52036#photos  Ranked # 12.  Great waterfront property in Negril . 

http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p227082#photos  Bonaire property ranked # 13. On the beach in dive central

http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p334879#photos  St. Thomas property on the cliffs above the water. ranked # 14. 

http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p927563#photos  Ranked # 15 a St, Croix property.  Very nice. 

http://www.vrbo.com/271990#photos  A fantastic  treehouse in Nicaragua above the ocean.  Ranked # 16