Let the celebration begin! One of my offices won a challenge and the reward was a lunch prepared and served by me at the off...

Are you looking for a super fast and flavorful appetizer, which is healthy at the same time?   Here is the answer: Edamame and Parmesan Di...

What special gift do you give someone who has everything? What gift is better than any new sweater or wallet – a gift fr...

Pear and Prosciutto Crostini 1 Sweet baguette 6 Slices Prosciutto 1 Pear 2/3 C. Crumbled blue cheese Honey 1. Slice the baguette ...

The Vine at Bridges in Danville is both a wine shop and casual hang out for the wine aficionado and novice who year...

What is better on a cold winter’s night than a hearty bowl of soup? It warms the soul and is extremely satisfying. The secret ingredient...

Beer Bread I remember being a child and my Mom would make beer bread a few times a year. I just loved the yeasty, earthy and slightly d...

My husband asked me last week if I would make something for him to bring to work for a potluck.  I was going to make my famous Orzo Salad...

Monica teaches “Wine Appreciation 101” classes in the East Bay cities of Walnut Creek, Lafayette and Pleasant Hill. ( http://www.w...

When I was a little girl, my Mom would make pies for us. As a treat, she would take the extra pie crust pieces that were not used and ...

Yesterday the Restaurant Club went to the iconic San Francisco dining destination - Zuni Café which is set on the corner ...

Julia Child made this dish famous. Revived by the recent movie, “Julie and Julia”, this dish was highlighted and Julia’s un...

Handmade Gnocchi with Chanterelle Mushroom Sauce Gnocchi 4 Medium Russet Potatoes 1 ½ C. Flour ½ t. Nutmeg 1 Large Egg 1 t. Sal...

Chicken Piccata 4 skinless boneless chicken breasts – cut in half lengthwise (will make eight pieces) 4 T. butter 1 T. olive oil...

San Francisco is one of the greatest cities for unique, trend setting and outstanding food. It is almost impossible to hav...

Panini with Roasted Pork, Caramelized Onions, Cheddar and Bacon What a terrific way to use left over roasted pork tenderloin for a s...

Since I have a week off from work, I thought it would be wonderful to catch up with friends and try a new restaurant each ...

Oven Roasted Tomato and Goat Cheese Tarts When a tomato is oven roasted, the flavor profile takes a 180 degree turn. The sugars are more pr...

Deviled Eggs with Pimentos Deviled eggs are the one thing that I instantly think of my Mom. This is a signature dish for her to make for th...

Garlic Pan-Fried Bread and Chorizo 7 oz. Chorizo, outer casing removed 5 Thick slices – Day old country bread, cubed Olive oil for frying 5...

Sautéed Garlic, Lemon and Parsley Mushrooms 1 pound white mushrooms, trim stem and brush clean 5 T. Olive oil 4 Garlic cloves, finely chopp...

My Spanish inspired appetizer plate is super quick and can be served for your next Tapas party. Simply put your favorite crackers on...

Our fabulous friends Mark and Dean, who relocated late last year to Arkansas from the Bay Area, were in town visiting. (Cha...

History shows that dating back to the 18th century in the French town of Commercy, in the region of Lorraine, the story is told that...

Our monthly Restaurant Club is in full swing with our lunch at Berkeley’s landmark restaurant – Chez Panisse . Brenle...

Dumas - Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon – 2006 This is a sophisticated wine that impresses from the first sip including the dense purple color, t...

BBQ Pork Sliders Ingredients: 1 Pork Tenderloin 1 ½ C. Stubbs Original BBQ Sauce or your favorite 1 C. Red Cabbage, Finely Shredded...

It is customary in the Mediterranean region to enjoy Tapas with friends and family. Tapas are small bites or appetizers or little mouthfuls....