A little something from Miami…

Zuzy — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:39:25 +0000

During a recent trip to one of my all time favorite places – MIAMI – I had a chance to reconnect with and old friend who went from being a LAWYER to now following in his father’s footsteps as a FARMER! Watch this inspirational interview with Jesse Capote

www.youtube.com/watch?v=BypI4WK-uOk

And watch this one if you want to laugh “at” me and learn the difference between an AVOCADO and a COCONUT. Do you know the difference?

www.youtube.com/watch?v=TUPw6FaPSUY

Big thanks to Jesse and J&C Tropicals down in Miami. Definitely check out their website if you’re curious about tropical fruits and veggies. Their website has gorgeous pictures, descriptions and recipes!

http://www.jctropicals.us/

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Favorite Spots on Maui

Zuzy — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 03:50:50 +0000

Here are my favorites from my first time to Hawaii. We went to Maui and I finally understand what the “big deal” was about the beautiful islands. I can’t wait to go back!

Cliff Diving Ceremony at Sheraton Maui Ceremony at Kaanapali Beach: Beautiful, traditional and perfect at sunset.

Banyan Tree at Courthouse Square, Lahaina: The Banyan Tree located was brought to Maui from India when the tree was a mere eight-feet tall. Today, you can climb, linger and dream on it as someone snaps our picture. It’s really majestic.

Mama’s Fish House was simply amazing. It was comparable to Gary Danko’s, but set on a quiet beach on the North Shore of Maui as opposed to the foggy Wharf in San Francisco. The second I left I began to think of the moment I’d be back. I understand and agree with everyone who told me it was “a must.”

Coconuts Fish Cafe: Delicious fish tacos with fresh mango salsa!! I want some now! Only draw back is that the restaurant lacks atmosphere, but who cares when the fish tacos are good.

Foodland Supermarket (the best POKE): The Poke bar at Foodland’s Market was so LEGIT!!! There were at least 1/2 dozen different kinds of fresh, delicious, big pieces of Poke. Best of all was that a generous amount over fresh rice was only $4.99! One of the best dinners we had was when we hit the Foodland Poke Bar and packed a picnic on the beach before sunset.

Road to Hana: Worth it only to arrive at the Seven Sacred pools, past Hana, and then discovering Laulima Farm just beyond. The tiny Laulima Farm was by far the best discovery on Maui for me! The fresh banana bread and organic shakes (that you blend yourself by peddling a stationary bike) easily become imprinted in your mind as something so special yet simple. Update Days after my visit, I read that the tiny farm was shut down because they did not apply for proper permits after serving people for years. This is a sad loss!! Here’s a post from the Maui Time News Feed: http://mauifeed.com/maui-news/hawaii-health-department-closes-laulima-farms-cafe-kipahulu/

Aloha!

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Thanksgiving Goose!

Zuzy — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 20:42:12 +0000

This year, my big Cuban family decided to add GOOSE to the menu. Watch what happens – it’s really funny! Special thanks to Schiltz Foods for the delicious whole-roasted smoked Goose.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtGSTEsSLec

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Aloha – Going to Maui

Zuzy — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 21:28:46 +0000

To celebrate the many good things in life, cheap airfare and a big birthday for my husband, we just booked a trip to Maui! I’ve never been to Hawaii because when I lived in NYC, I’d spend all my free time flying up and down the coast (Boston to Miami) or over to Europe (those were the good ol’ days of student travel discounts)!

I’d love the opinions of all you Maui lovers out there! After a little research, here’s what I think I should do. Please chime in or tweet me with any other suggestions!

Adventures to be had/Places to visit
Historic Lahaina
Haleakala (at sunset instead of sunrise)
Go to a Luau (Old Lahaina Luau)
Road to Hana
Surfing Goat Dairy Farm (for the foodie/goat cheese lover in me)
Take a Paddle Surfing Lesson
Cliff Diving at Kaanapali Beach (to watch, not participate!)
Shim Coffee Farm Tour

Eats
Mama’s Fish House
Da Kitchen
Kihei Cafe
Hali’imaile General Store
Coconuts Fish Cafe
Foodland Supermarket (the best POKE)
Sansei Seafood Restaurant
Cafe O’Lei

Am I missing any “MUST GO” to places or things to see? If so, post a comment here, on Facebook or tweet me @cluelesscooking.

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Top Picks at SFChefs 2011!

Zuzy — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 19:48:37 +0000

What a fun and delicious foodie event in San Francisco’s Union Square this weekend! Here are my TOP TEN Favorite things from the big event:

1. Parbacco’s Seared Halibut
2. Sanraku’s Salmon Tartare Sushi & Golden Gate Bridge made of carrots
3. Ruffino’s Prosecco
4. La Quercia – organic 2.5 years aged green label – Proscuitto!!
5. E & O Trading Steamed Pork Buns
6. Cointreau Caipirinha
7. Jasper’s Corner Tap Spicy Beer Sausage
8. POM chili-spiced snow cones
9. Meeting Huber Keller
10. Hanging out with Fabio on the Dacor Stage!!!

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Calling all Coffee Geeks

Zuzy — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 22:53:01 +0000

7×7 is looking for “Coffee Geeks.” Of course, I self-nominated.

Read my entry below:
Hi! I nominate MOI to be the best reader judge that 7×7 has EVER seen!

Coffee Judge Submission 7x7 Magazine

I’m Cuban with Jersey roots, so coffee is in my BLOOD. Seriously, I was drinking cafe con leche in a baby bottle. Some people turn their nose up when I tell my childhood coffee stories. I say, “whatever!” I was being groomed to be a coffee connoisseur, a coffee snob, a coffee junkie, but above all, a coffee LOVER! Lately, I thank heaven for all the organic coffee on the shelves. Since I was raised Cuban, you know my coffee was light and sweet growing up. The organically nurtured beauties out there stand on their own – no milk, no sugar and still delicioso! Life without coffee is very rare and mostly happens only after yoga when tea seems to pour itself into my cup. It’s not too long though before I get cranky and crabby without my cafecito.

My favorites in SF: I love the organic slow drip coffee at Cafe Gratitude, but I’d have to call my fav roastery, Philz Coffee, mostly because I’m obsessed with the Philharmonic – coffee, cardamom and mint – an orgasm of awesome flavors!

Let me be the best “non professional, not chef, non coffee company employee” judge you have ever had!

Zuzy :0)

To submit your own entry: http://www.7×7.com/eat-drink/calling-all-coffee-geeks-7×7-looking-judge

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Scaring an old lady, eating raw & more FABIO!

Zuzy — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 17:13:41 +0000

Happy Summer Everyone!!!

Watch my quick update on Fabio; raw food diet; and scaring an old lady.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=0v1WityrtIc

Life is good today.

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Get ready for Spring/Summer Farmers’ Markets

Zuzy — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 21:24:59 +0000

Instead of thinking about Tax day, get excited that some of the best spring & summer Farmers’ Markets are about to pop-up all around you. Most of them run

Springtime Farmer's Market

May-September and they all have a different vibe! My favorite in Marin County is The Fairfax Farmer’s Market (Weds from 4-8pm). It’s held in Bolinas Park under the Redwood trees. Small and intimate, it always feels like a small festival with live music, face painting for the kids with blankets and picnics abound. Like most markets, you can buy dinner from local vendors on the spot or take some goodies home to prepare.

My advice to you: bring a limited amount of CASH to spend or you’ll break the budget with all the goodness. I like bringing 20 bucks! Start planning your spring and summer meal planning around a weekly trip to the market now. The Fairfax Farmer’s Market Opening Day is Wednesday, May 4, 2011!

To find a farmer’s market near you NATION-WIDE, check out: http://www.localharvest.org

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Fridays with Fabio is here!

Zuzy — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 07:44:21 +0000

I am SO EXCITED to reveal our celebrity chef interview series with…

www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fT1uKNqZeQ

Post your comments and questions here, on our Fan Page or directly to Fabio @fabioviviani. Next week’s question is awesome, delicious and a little weird for Americans. Stay tuned!

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Our New Look

Zuzy — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 06:06:23 +0000

I’m so excited about sharing our refreshed website with everyone! It’s nice to change things up a bit as Spring arrives, right?! Thanks for visiting – AND remember, if you’re just getting comfortable in the kitchen, you should check out advice from our favorite experts.

Have a look around and stay tuned for our big reveal in the next 2 weeks when I’ll be releasing short videos with one of my favorite TV celebrity chefs!

P.S.
Special kudos to Amanda Krill for our refreshed look/feel!

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