Two of My Favorite Things…Décor and Dessert!

I always have my eye out for great products that can be used in various ways.  Now that we’re in spring, my eye is drawn to bright and fresh colors.  So when I saw these little sparkling balls of fun I had to stop and smell the roses so to speak.  To my delight, I discovered that they contained another of my favorites – dessert.  Decadent chocolate in fact.  I was instantly inspired and decided to share a little springtime joy with you.

These great little bonbon creations add a little sparkle and magic to any soiree you’re putting together and the ways to use them are only limited by your creativity.  Add a stick and fun design possibilities come to life.  From bedazzled cupcakes, to Bonbon floral arrangements and glittering wedding cakes, the possibilities are endless.

Serving as both dessert and décor, they are the perfect way to incorporate that little extra touch of color, charm and creativity into all your spring (or any season for that matter) celebrations!

So, here’s the scoop!

They come in twenty four  stock colors, and if you need to custom color match, well they can do that too! Periwinkle?  NO problem.   Tangerine?  NO problem.  Send a color swatch and see what happens.

Now if all the colors weren’t enough to excite you, they have six different flavored Bonbons to choose from.

• Original:  Blend of dark and milk chocolates from Swiss and Belgium.
• Raspberry:  A light undertone of raspberry flavor.
• Mint:  Remember Andy’s Candys?  Buttery and light.  (not Altoid strength)
• Hazelnut:  Love Nutella?  You’ll love these.
• Extra Dark:  made from 65% Cocoa and  they are Non Dairy
• Peanut Butter:  A popular flavor with the kids!

The glitter is REALLY edible and melts in your mouth. Yes, really.  For a taste test, take a blindfold, and then taste one without the glitter and one with the glitter.  You will NOT be able to tell the difference.  They also will send out a sample to you.  Just pay shipping and handling.  Easy, right?

Recently, they just added a new product, Bonbon Pops.  They can be made in any shape and size.  Let your imagination run wild…from red stilettos to beautiful butterflies, the flexibility of the product is amazing.

We’ve included some pictures of what designers have done to add that little extra touch of color; charm and creativity into all their celebrations…we hope they will inspire you to come up with your own ideas. In the meantime, I think I’ll taste test a couple of these little beauties and see what ideas come to MY mind.

If you would like more information on where to get these sinfully delicious treats, please reach out to me at valerie@thevibeagency.com.

*This blog does not accept any form of advertising, sponsorship, or paid insertions. We write for our own purposes. However, we may be influenced by our background, occupation, religion, political affiliation or experience.

 

**The owner(s) of this blog is not compensated to provide opinion on products, services, websites and various other topics. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely the blog owners. If we claim or appear to be experts on a certain topic or product or service area, we will only endorse products or services that we believe, based on our expertise, are worthy of such endorsement. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider.

 

COOLHAUS: Mobile Food Craze Hits Miami!

At the VIBE Agency, we always love finding new and cool products and COOLHAUS has definitely cornered the market on cool, not only in concept, deliciousness and designer food – but for your next event as well!

 If you don’t know COOLHAUS, let us tell you a little about them.

Let’s start with three intriguing words that when stuck together create something that might raise your eyebrow – artisanal ice cream.  Yep, you read that right!

 It’s no secret that food trucks have taken Los Angeles by storm and are popping up in cities nationwide.  In act, I’d say there’s a cult following that is ready to take the whole country by storm.    If you’re not hip to the secret…you can now get cuisines from all over the world served up from trucks that we used to call the Roach Coaches.  Mixing a great idea with a foodie’s dream, mobile dining is reaching new heights on the “coolest thing ever” billboard.

These designer spin-offs are nothing like their predecessors and offer up delicious gastronomy in a variety of styles while inspiring flash mob style gatherings wherever they show up. COOLHAUS has taken the concept of mobile dining to another level with their take on savory and sweet ice cream sandwiches and architecture…and…they are RIGHT HERE IN MIAMI!

COOLHAUS, an architecture- inspired ice cream truck owned by partners Natasha Case and Freya Estreller, can usually be found parked at farmers markets, crafts fairs and the like. Their only product is an American favorite, an ice cream sandwich – AKA a generous scoop of gourmet ice cream wedged between a pair of chewy cookies, and served in edible rice paper.

Flavors are named after well-known architects.  Try out delicacies like Brown Butter and Candied Bacon ice cream on Chocolate Chip cookies. Or maybe our seasonal Olive Oil Rosemary ice cream on Brioche cookies will do the trick. Going classic never hurt either – Mies Vanilla Rohe (Vanilla ice cream + Chocolate Chip cookie) or Frank Berry (Strawberry ice cream + Snicker doodle cookie) are both very respectable choices.  Designer and ice cream lovers should seek out the pink-topped, converted postal truck to indulge in a unique take on everyone’s favorite snack!

On top of just being plain cool, COOLHAUS is SUSTAINABLE!

But first and foremost is our dedication to quality and sustainability. Every COOLHAUS Ice Cream Sandwich is all-natural, handmade and organic whenever possible. Our dairy is sustainably produced and artificial growth hormone free. We use local and seasonal farmer’s market fresh ingredients. Plus, every ice cream sandwich is wrapped in a customizable edible wrapper that is all-natural and calorie-free. Talk about being Green! Instead of throwing away your wrapper, you get to eat it! Not to mention, the wrapper can be printed on with edible ink, which means it can sport your company logo, birthday mug-shot, or a message to friends.  Now if that deal wasn’t sweet enough on its own, we can book them for your next private event.  With packages to rival any sweet tooth or tickle the fancy of a the most distinguished palate here is a new take on food for your event that will have your guests going wild. We agree that it’s the perfect marriage of creativity and sustainability.

So, where can you find these outrageously delicious ice cream “sammies”?  Check out their website at www.eatcoolhaus.com or follow them on Twitter @COOLHAUSMIA to find out when they will be near you, or you can reach us at valerie@thevibeagency.com to get information and a sweet deal for your next event.

*This blog does not accept any form of advertising, sponsorship, or paid insertions. We write for our own purposes. However, we may be influenced by our background, occupation, religion, political affiliation or experience.

**The owner of this blog is not compensated to provide opinion on products, services, websites and various other topics. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely the blog owners. If we claim or appear to be experts on a certain topic or product or service area, we will only endorse products or services that we believe, based on our expertise, are worthy of such endorsement. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider.  

Go Ninja For Your Event!

Earlier this month, we learned about this amazing restaurant in NYC from our friends at The Party Goddess.  We loved it so much that we wanted to share the idea with our readers!  We hope you will like it as much as we did!!!

Looking for an experience for a small group in the Big Apple? Then you might want to consider NINJA New York. With the latest rage being dining experiences ranging from blind dining to extravagant environments, NINJA takes it over the top.

Mystique abounds as guests enter into a re-creation of a 15th century Japanese castle. There are no servers in this restaurant, but only ninjas who guide diners through a series of twists and turns, across a drawbridge, and, finally, to a cave-like table. The dining room is like a Japanese garden or grotto and tables are nicely separated from each other.

The waiters are all “trained ninjas” and perform magic tricks and interact with you throughout the evening. It’s a one of a kind dining experience combined with high-end Japanese cuisine. “Servers” deliver specialty Ninja Art Dishes which all involve some kind of theater as they are served including, smoke, fire and very sharp knives. You’ll want to pay close attention as the theater experience is almost as good as the food.

Though an ala cart menu is available, most diners opt for Chef Michinobu Okamoto’s tasting menu. We think the NINJA New York is great for a small exclusive group that wants to have an adventurous and entertaining evening as well as great food.

Check out this video we found on YouTube. We think you’ll be most pleasantly surprised.    NINJA New York

When you’re ready to experience dining, NINJA style, give the Vibe Agency a call. We think you’ll love  this venue but we also have many others to help you create extraordinary and exciting experiences for your group.

Contact valerie@thevibeagency.com for more information on The Vibe Agency and find out how we can create a custom program for you and your guests.

We Had an Epiphany!

As if the Christmas and New Year holiday parties didn’t stuff us full enough of buttery and sugar filled deliciousness, now there’s more.  In France we continue the excuse for imbibing in scrumptious goodies into the New Year when we celebrate Epiphany on January 6^th.   Epiphany is the day when the Three Kings visited the Baby Jesus and is also the close of the Twelve Days of Christmas.

The traditional Galette des rois, Gâteau des rois otherwise known as the French King cake is a cake/tart celebrating this wonderful holiday and is traditionally sold and consumed a few days before and after the 6^th of January. As part of French custom, a bean or small china feve (favor) is hidden in the cake. The person who finds the feve in his or her slice becomes king or queen for the day.

There is a hitch though.  There is one person that doesn’t get to partake in “draw the kings” on Epiphany because of etiquette – the President of France.  It would be improper to crown a king inside the Elysée Palace, so President Nicolas Sarkozy and his beautiful First Lady Carla will have to have their traditional galette without the figurine or feve.

For the rest of us, here’s how to partake in the ritual of the Galette des rois:

• Gather friends and family around the kitchen table.
• Nominate one person (typically the youngest child and also the most nimble) to crawl under the table and act as “la main innocente“.
• Nominate someone else (typically the oldest, or at least the most honest) to act as the “distributeur des parts“.
• Serve the galette, in French we say “tirer les rois”. The distributeur cuts the galette into slices that are held up one by one and served to the person named by the child under the table. This elaborate process ensures a random distribution of the feve so that no one cheats.
• Proceed to lovingly devour the galette, perhaps with a glass of cider or a nice medium red dessert wine.
• 99 times out of 100, someone will suddenly announce that they have found the feve and they are the one that gets crowned the king or queen for the day.  Hopefully they don’t find it by breaking a tooth.
• Crown the finder king or queen with a paper crown you’ve had the kids make to keep them busy while you were preparing the galette.

We thought it might you might enjoy making your own Galette des rois to crown your royalty for the day, so we’ve included a recipe for you here.

Galette des Rois

Yield: Makes 8 servings

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup pure almond paste (2 ounces)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 (17 1/4-oz) package frozen puff pastry sheets, thawed
• 1 dried bean such as a lima bean (optional)
• 1/2 tablespoon confectioner’s sugar

Preparation

Preheat oven to 450°F.

Purée almond paste, granulated sugar, butter, and a pinch of salt in a food processor until smooth. Add 1 egg, vanilla, and almond extract and purée until incorporated. Add flour and pulse until incorporated.

Roll out 1 puff pastry sheet into an 11 1/2-inch square on a lightly floured surface with a floured rolling pin, then brush off excess flour from both sides. Cut out an 11-inch round by tracing around an inverted plate with tip of a paring knife. Transfer round to a buttered large baking sheet (not dark metal, or pastry may brown too much), discarding trimmings, and chill. Repeat procedure with second pastry sheet, leaving round on floured surface.

Beat remaining egg with a fork and brush some over top of second round. Score round decoratively all over using tip of knife, then make several small slits all the way through pastry, at about 2-inch intervals, to create steam vents.

Brush some of egg in a 1-inch-wide border around edge of chilled pastry round (on baking sheet). Mound almond cream in center of chilled round, spreading slightly, and bury bean in cream. Immediately cover with decorated round and press edges together lightly. Holding a small spoon with side at an angle, press around edge to seal galette decoratively.

Bake galette in lower third of oven until puffed and pale golden, 13 to 15 minutes. Dust galette with confectioners’ sugar and bake in upper third of oven until edge is deep golden brown and shiny, 12 to 15 minutes more. Transfer to a rack to cool slightly, 5 to 10 minutes. Serve warm.

Have some fun introducing family and friends to a new custom that is celebrated worldwide, but as usual we French have turned into a gastronomical tour de force….Bon Appetite!!!

Now where’s the gym?

The Vibe Agency presents Halloween Horrors Part I

Halloween is right around the corner! Are you excited? I have to admit, I am! This holiday is celebrated by many cultures around the world and symbolic of everything from the end of summer days to the celebration of the dead.  It is so fun to see what kind of creative costumes will pop up year after year and, I’m sorry, seeing and hearing little children dress up and yell “Trick-or-Treat” never gets old.

If you plan on throwing a party for this special evening perhaps you’ll find some useful information below that will guarantee a night to remember!

Invitation Ideas. Looking for a creative way to invite your guests to a night of fun and horror? Try sending them these customized Halloween Candy Bars to set the tone for the evening. You’ll leave them wondering if they are receiving a welcoming invite to the grand festivities or a warning them of things to come.

http://www.stumpsparty.com/party/Cemetery-Personalized-Candy-Bar.cfm

Setting the mood. Upon your guests arrivals you are going to want to set the tone for the evening. My suggestion would be to purchase a fog machine and either place it near the walkway leading up to your front door or in the foyer for once they step inside.

Here are a few other decorations your guests might like:

http://www.halloweeneffects.us/

Lighting Ideas. On a scream-induced evening such as this, nothing would be scarier than having poor lighting during your event! To get your guests in the mood try replacing your light bulbs with orange and black lights and setting up these candles all over your house. Remember to keep the candles up high should you have any little monsters running around.

www.thewickedcandles.com

Food & Drinks. The night isn’t complete without stocking up on appropriately themed drinks and appetizers. Prevent your guests from turning into hungry werewolves at the end of the night by offering them the following food and drink recipes:

Witches Brew

2 Bottles of Champagne

1 Gallon Orange Juice

1/2 Gallon Orange Sherbert

1 Bunch peeled Black Grapes 
Sugar to taste

1 Bottle (2l) Lemon-Lime Soda*

*for lower alcohol content 1/2 Bottle vodka

1/2 Bottle Vodka**
**to raise the alcohol content

Small pieces of Dry Ice

Bunches of Grapes for Garnish

Combine Champagne and orange juice in large punch bowl. Scoop sherbert into bowl until it has produced a nice scum over the top. Add sugar to taste if desired. Float peeled grapes in mixture, and garnish bowl with the rest of the grapes. Drop in pieces of dry ice for steaming effect, but note that no one should put dry ice in his/her mouth. If you want to raise or lower the alcohol content in the punch, add vodka or clear soda respectively.

Pizza Mummies

Ingredients

•                English muffins

•                Pizza sauce

•                Black olives

•                Scallions

•                Red or green pepper

•                Cheese sticks or slices

Instructions

1.              Heat the oven to 350º F. For each mummy, spread a tablespoon of pizza sauce onto half of an English muffin (toast it first, if you like).

2.              Set olive slices in place for eyes and add round slices of green onion or bits of red or green pepper for pupils.

3.              Lay strips of cheese (we used a pulled-apart cheese stick) across the muffin for the mummy?s wrappings.

Bake for about 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the muffin is toasty

I hope you enjoyed this fun list of creative, yet simple and affordable, Halloween ideas.  Stay tuned for Part II of Halloween Horrors, which will give you more great ideas for throwing an unforgettable night of horror, courtesy of The Vibe Agency.

The Vibe Agency excels at providing personalized service with a creative flair for developing unique brand experiences. Contact us today to get started on planning your next personal or corporate event.

Ferragosto 2010

Background

Traditionally celebrated in Italy , marking the mid of summer and the end to working in the fields. It was first started by the Romans calling it ” Feriae Augusti” August Rest( after Emperor Augustus),and they celebrated and grave praise to the gods-in particular Diana.

Over time the Catholic Church has adopted this date as a Holy Day of Obligation, to commemorate the Virgin Mary.Now as days Italians take a short holiday usually around the peak day of the Perseid meteor shower. This year its August 12th! Activity has already started and last until the 24th of August.

Ferragosto has become a day of feasting and celebrating for those in Italy so start preparing yourself for August 15th. With the United States Ferragosto is also celebrated on the 15th of August-So see what events are taking place near you or in your local ” Little Italy.”

Ideas

Decor

Grab what you can that’s red, green, and white and add little accents every you can!

Food

Two- Pepper Bruschetta, tomato, mozzarella and basil platter, italian bread sticks, grilled vegetable antipasto, and apple and prosciutto sandwhiches ,Fritto Misto, spagetti with marina, penne with meat, smoked bacon minestrone, fresh pesto and basil, Tiramisu

Events

Callifornia

( San Diego )

” When in Rome” a night as a roman citizen, this cocktail function will be one you won’t want to miss if you have  never celebrated ferragosto before. Hosted at Amici Park, there couldn’t be a better venue to meet friends and make new ones.

Try-out some of San Diego’s best Italian restaurants, such as: Cupid’s Catering, Bencotto, The Glass door, Toast, The Big Easy, Sogno Divino, Trattoria Tiramisu, and mush more.

Bice offers  specials through the month of August to celebrate ferragosto all month long. Thrillist gives you all the details.

New York

( New York )

Ferragosto in Brazil , where Italy meets Brazil in New York. Make your way to the Eden Bar  celebration

Australia

( New South Wales )

The City of Canada Bay’s 13th annual Italian festival, Ferragosto will be held from 10am-4pm on Sunday, 15 August on Great North Road, Five Dock.

Get with the VIBES and see what’s happening in your area for Ferragosto 2010 or plan your own event!

MIAMI SPICE 2010

Hope everyone is hungry because Miami Spice Month is starting in a few days…the kick of event and fundraiser will be this Thursday the 29th and Friday the 30th.

They have rolled back the price of a Miami Spice lunch to $22 and dinner to $35. Make sure you take advantage of these great deals.  (www.iLoveMiamiSpice.com)

Want to find a restaurant near you!(Miami Dining)

Event Schedule:

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Taste of the Nation: Miami
Fairmont Turnberry Resort – 19999 West Country Club Road
Chef Chair Andre Bienvenu of Joe’s Stone Crab and Event Chair, Chef Allen Susser of Chef Allen’s and Taste Gastropub, invite you to join Miami’s finest chefs and restaurants for an incredible night of fine food, scintillating spirits, wonderful wine and a whole lot of fun with the single purpose to end childhood hunger in our community. This year, funds raised through Taste of the Nation will support No Kid Hungry™, Share Our Strength’s campaign to end childhood hunger in America by 2015, as well as other international efforts. Click here for details and ticket information.

Saturday, July 31, 2010

Miami Spice Kickoff Event & Fundraiser

Miami Beach Convention Center
1901 Convention Center Drive
(305) 539-3000
The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Miami Beach Convention Center invite you to enjoy the 1st Annual Miami Spice Kickoff Event & Fundraiser, featuring tastings from a selection of participating Miami Spice restaurants and celebrity chefs selling and signing cookbooks. Proceeds will benefit Share Our Strength and Madison’s Wish.

6–10 p.m. VIP • 7–10 p.m. General Admission

VIP†: $75 in advance – $100 day of event
† VIP Tickets include open bar, special advance tasting preview from 6–7 p.m., and complimentary valet parking.

General Admission: $35 in advance – $50 day of event

Limited capacity. Must be at least 21 to enter.

HOW TO PURCHASE TICKETS:
You may purchase tickets through Ticketmaster, at the Colony Theatre box office or at the Miami Beach Convention Center box office. There is NO service charge on tickets purchased at the Colony Theatre or the Miami Beach Convention Center. Please see details below:

Colony Theatre
1040 Lincoln Road
Days Open: Tuesday – Saturday
Times Open: Noon – 5 p.m.
Cash, American Express, MasterCard, Visa
No phone orders; you must come in person.

Miami Beach Convention Center
Box Office Location: Hall D, located at 1901 Convention Center Drive
Days Open: Thursday and Friday
Cash, American Express, MasterCard, Visa
Times Open: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

MIAMI SPICE KICKOFF EVENT OFFICIAL AFTER-PARTY:
Venue: Louis Bar – Lounge at Gansevoort Miami Beach
Miami Spice Kickoff Event ticket holders will receive complimentary admission (10 p.m. – 12 a.m.) and 1 free drink.
*Dress code is strictly enforced: NO sneakers, beach sandals, caps, shorts, cut-off sleeve shirts, etc.
For Bottle/Table reservations please contact Chad Weller 614/634-3031

Click here for a list of frequently asked questions.

Participating Partners:

94th Aero Squadron
A Fish Called Avalon
Ago Restaurant
Anacapri on Ponce
Area 31
Asia De Cuba at Mondrian
Atrio Restaurant
B.E.D.

Bizcaya
BLT Steak at The Betsy
Blue Door at Delano
Bourbon Steak Miami
Cane Fire Grille
Chef Allen’s
China Grill South Beach
D. Rodriguez Cuba
Gibraltar
The Grill on the Alley
Ideas Restaurant
Kaspia
La Riviera – Sofitel Miami
Lido Restaurant at The Standard

Mayfair Grill
Mercadito Midtown
Miami Chart House
Michy’s
Novecento—Brickell
Ocean Prime
Pelican Cafe
Philippe Chow
Por Fin Restaurant & Lounge
Quinn’s South Beach

Randazzo’s Little Italy
Red, The Steakhouse
Rincon Argentino
Rusty Pelican
Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Shula’s Steak House—Miami Beach
Shula’s Steak House—The Original
Smith & Wollensky
Sra. Martinez
Tamara at National Hotel
Vita Restaurant & Lounge

All information is complimentary from ilovemaimispice.com

Get with the VIBES and join in on all community activities.

VIBE Hot Pick: Miami Food Tours

Everyone has to start from somewhere… so lets give our support for a up and coming local business. Grace Della has created tours of culinary delight to spotlight  the flavors of Miami and its culinary history.

Information

The private tours are with one tour guide with a  maximum of 20 people and a minimum of 16.  Tours are operational Mondays – Sundays, for pricing and more detailed information please make sure you contact Miami Culinary Tours.

3250 Northeast 1st Avenue
Miami, FL 33137
Phone: (786) 942-8856
Email:  info@miamiculinarytours.com

www.miamiculinarytours.com

Miami Culinary Tours, LLC is registered with the state of Florida as a Seller of Travel. Registration No. ST37786

What They Offer

*Tastings and stops are subject to change without notice.

*All information described is subject to change without notice.

Miami Culinary Tours, LLC is not responsible for the foods or beverages consumed on its tours.  Miami Culinary Tours, LLC acts solely as agent in arranging tours, transportation, venue visits & other services and does not assume liability for accidents, delays, injuries, loss or damage due to any act or default of any company, organization or person engaged in transporting passengers, rendering service, or carrying out arrangements for any tour or by the act of default of any restaurant or shop or its employees.

Get with VIBES– and support our South Beach businesses.

Roll Out The Blanket…It’s Picnic Time

When I think of summer , I think of a picturesque lake view and a large blanket that has endless amount of choices of great foods and desserts. Make this summers picnic a magical one filled with bright and warm colors.

Here are some colors to keep in mind when planning your next summer picnic!

Great ideas I ran across:

Get really creative this summer and think out of the box , with all the possibilities that you can do when you have no guidelines to follow.

Example from trendsetter: Enchanted Picnic has exotic themes, follies in Versailles, rave party in Schönbrunn, murder in an English garden – Lewis Carroll, Fragonard gate-crashes the camp site, Hansel and Gretel’s cuisine, ecology show – glamor and fun, the dawn of artificial preciousness. Colors that set the teeth on edge – neon but whitened, transparent jelly fish, over-bright pastels, fiery brights tempered by grey and measured beige.

1. Play with the colors

2. Create an intricate theme based on a small detail that may carry throughout the picnic

3. Location, Location , Location ( go out of town to somewhere new and allow for everyone to be out of their elements, so they can relax and think of nothing that they left behind.)

4. Make it a potluck picnic so the food varies and everyone can be a part of the action

5. Sit back and enjoy!

Are you sitting now… what do you see in front of you?

• Breakfast picnic: Skip the sandwiches in favor of a breakfast picnic theme. Fruit and fruit salads, muffins, mini quiches, sweet or cinnamon rolls, deviled eggs, and smoked meat and cheese with croissants or bagels, and juice or coffee could be incorporated for a fun picnic spread.

• Appetizer picnic: An appetizer picnic menu is romantic and fun. Smoked meats and cheeses with crackers, stuffed mushrooms, fresh vegetables and dip, hummus and pita chips, shrimp cocktail, mini sandwich wraps, and bite size cakes, cheesecakes, or pastries are great choices for this type of picnic.

Here is the recipe for the image above, it made my mouth water.

Ceviche Recipe

Ingredients:
-4 oz scallops, thinly sliced
– 4 ounces skinned red snapper filet, diced
– 1/2 cup, and 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
– 1 large tomato, diced
– 1/2 medium avocado
– 1 small red onion, minced
– 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro
– 3 dashes hot pepper sauce
– salt and pepper to taste

** You can also sub out the scallops and red snapper for shrimp, crab or ahi tuna! (The shrimp one is my FAVORITE!)

Directions:
Toss 4 ounces sea scallops, thinly sliced, and 4 ounces skinned red snapper filet, diced, with 1/2 cup fresh lime juice in a medium glass bowl. Cover and refrigerate until the fish becomes opaque, about 1 hour. Drain, then toss with 1 large tomato, diced; 1/2 medium avocado, pitted, peeled, and diced; 1 small red onion, minced; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro; 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice; 3 dashes hot pepper sauce; salt to taste; and ground pepper to taste. Serve immediately, cold, on a bed of shredded iceberg lettuce. NOTE: Ask for sushi-grade fish at your market.

Serving size = 1 cup

Compliments of LaaLoosh.

Pink Frosting offers a range of appetizing treats with a touch of elegance.

• Dessert picnic: For a sweet way to finish off a summer evening, plan a simple dessert picnic. Cupcakes, brownie bites or squares, fresh fruit, mini cakes, puff pastry, cookies, slices of fruit pie, lemon bars, chocolate covered strawberries, slices of pound cake, and chocolate mousse cups all make lovely fare for a dessert picnic.

• Classic picnic: Items like cold fried chicken, cole slaw, potato salad, baked beans, freshly baked brownies, slices of watermelon, and ice-cold lemonade make a perfect classic picnic menu.

Hope some of these ideas get your creative juices flowing …Until tomorrow then and get with the VIBE.

Mother’s Day Tips and Ideas Recap

Mother’s Day always seams to catch people off guard or we’re all just procrastinators. Walking into a Walgreen and CVS yesterday was a disaster…all of the cards were pretty much cleaned right off the displays and Publix the lines were around the corner should we say.

We put together some tips that you can do for your mother next year. Here are some cool products that we thought you might like to indulge  your mother in  and of course the best spa  recommendations in town. Pull out the pen and paper because you’re going to want to remember these for next year!

Call us crazy, but although we live in paradise, there are times we want to escape the Miami scene. It’s always fast paced and hot, so for this last Mother’s Day theme, we’re leaving Miami… leaving South Florida all together… and heading to a slower, calmer place, one where mom can relax – Cape Cod.  Why not transform your home into a “Cape Cod Cottage” for an afternoon?

To achieve this classic New England country chic look, think stripes. Dress the table with yellow and white stripes, green, blue and white, pastels, etc.  Use napkins in the same colors that contrast – or mix and match.  Use big thick mugs, cobalt blue, lemon yellow, orange and white plates.  For a centerpiece, this one we want to try to keep it light and nautical. Place fresh cut wildflowers, try daisies or small sunflowers, in rustic metal pails.  Or you can even spread out sand on table, add plenty of pretty seashells, and lay some candles in the sand.

As for food… with so many potential seafood options, where do we start?? Let’s start by whipping up some classic “boil” shrimp appetizers, some small blue crabs to pick at and corn on the cob! Now I know what you’re thinking, where’s the clam chowder? Fear not, we found a simple recipe to make the famous New England Clam Chowder, which can seem intimidating to make—but isn’t!

New England Clam Chowder

slices bacon, diced

1 1/2 cups chopped onion

1 1/2 cups water

4 cups peeled and cubed potatoes

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

ground black pepper to taste

3 cups half-and-half

3 tablespoons butter

2 (10 ounce) cans minced clams

Directions

1.  Place diced bacon in large stock pot over medium-high heat. Cook until almost crisp; add onions, and cook 5 minutes. Stir in water and potatoes, and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, and cook uncovered for 15 minutes, or until potatoes are fork tender.

2. Pour in half-and-half, and add butter. Drain clams, reserving clam liquid; stir clams and 1/2 of the clam liquid into the soup. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until heated through. Do not allow to boil.

Mom has got a sweet tooth…

Schakolad Chocolate Factory

internationally acclaimed brand for fresh, handmade European style chocolates. Their  signature chocolates are prepared with the finest ingredients and presented in the time honored traditions of quality, artistry and innovation. Their flavors are endless I’m sure one will appease your palette.

Here are a few that you will find

• dark coconut pattie
• dark almond cluster
• key lime truffle
• milk butterscotch truffle
• cheesecake ganache
• Italian amaretto ganache
• dark caramel

Misha’s Cupcakes

They make cupcakes, cakes, scones,muffins and brownies, with more delicious creations to come!

Misha’s Cupcakes truck delivers to more than 30 locations, and we are always on the look-out for fabulous places where our customers will be able to enjoy our cupcakes. they cater to your needs with the coolest designs and originality.

Shari’s Berries

Shari’s berries offer chocolate covered goodness…from strawberries, truffles, cakes, to apples. These vibrant morsels are picture perfect and melt in your mouth.

Strawberries

Succulent ripe strawberries are hand-dipped with gourmet confections, and decorated with pastel swizzles and sugar crystals especially for Mom. Our delectable berries are an Unforgettable Mother’s Day Gift.

Truffles

• 4 Dark Chocolate Cabernet Truffles
• 4 White Confection Champagne Truffles
• 4 Dark Chocolate Chardonnay Truffles
• 4 Dark Chocolate Port Wine Truffles
• Truffles arrive nestled in individual fluted-paper cups and tucked into a box
• Item #30001463

The only thing better than wine and chocolate is the combination of both. Popped into the mouth, the flavors of decadent chocolate and wine meld into one sensual bite. Truffles are infused with non-alcoholic wine flavorings. Truffles contain no alcohol.

Cakes

Cheesecake Medley (8″ diameter, serves 12)

One bite of this deliciously creamy cheesecake could make even the most grounded person feel like they’re walking on air. This heavenly combination features: a classic New York chocolate chip cheesecake, a luscious chocolate Rocky Road cheesecake, a raspberry swirl cheesecake with a rich chocolate crumb crust and the most decadent gooey caramel swirl cheesecake topped with chopped pecans. Gravity is clearly overrated!

A Personalized Touch

This time around make it a little more personal and take your mom’s , grandmother’s or aunt’s  favorite item and turn it into a timeless treasure for them. The Personalization Mall takes about everything and lets you create your perfect moment for it.

Day of Relaxation

These Beach Spas are still having great Mother’s Day deals so if you didn’t have the time yesterday, make sure you make some time for it before the end of the month!

The Betsy Hotel

One of South Beaches exquisite hotels, the Betsy Holds an Mother’s Day Brunch…and Extends a generous offer of 15% off Guest Rooms and 50% off Grand and Master Suites, with a special amenity subject to availability; offer valid until May 30, 2010.

Dramatically poised alongside its Art Deco neighbors on Miami Beach’s famed Ocean Drive, The Betsy is a distinguished historic landmark hotel. The Betsy’s 63 rooms and suites are private, beachside havens where sensory details, imaginative amenities and inspirational design coalesce to produce an unparalleled experience.

Elegant, but relaxed tropical interiors and an intimate courtyard pool, maintain an aura that is passionately low-key. The Deck at The Betsy, an expansive rooftop with sweeping views of the Atlantic, offers a Wellness Garden with a full range of spa treatments, therapies and yoga. Specialty cocktails and light fare are offered on The Deck and at the exquisite lobby bar, or one may prefer fine dining at Laurent Tourondel’s new take on the modern American steakhouse – BLT Steak at The Betsy. Designed with a hint of vintage glamour, B Bar offers an exclusive and discreet version of Miami nightlife, accessible by invitation only.

Make your Reservation today: 305.531.6100

Ritz Carlton

Escape to a South Beach, FL, spa that offers an elite menu of La Maison de Beauté Carita treatments alongside an extensive menu of European wellness and beauty rituals. The Ritz-Carlton Spa, South Beach topped the 2008 Allure magazine’s A-List recognized by readers as the Best Day Spa in Miami. Featuring 14-treatment rooms, luxurious relaxation lounges, a full-service salon and two couples suites, The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach hotel and spa is home to the exclusive Astro Balance Massage; a unique massage treatment based on your birth date and astrological sign.

Reservation 786 .276.4000

Mommy and Me
A perfect way to say I love you … The Mommy & Me Mother’s Day package is designed for mothers and daughters to bond over a relaxing visit to the award-winning Ritz-Carlton Spa, South Beach, enjoying the following services:

* A Citrus Manicure and Pedicure for mother and daughter
* A mimosa for mom and a mocktail (a fruity beverage) for daughter

$168 including gratuity, complimentary parking included. Offer available throughout the month of May. Please take note it cannot be combined with any other special promotions.

Viceroy, Brickell

Viceroy Miami presents sophisticated international travelers and discriminating South Florida denizens with a glamour-infused Miami resort hotel created for business and leisure pursuits in the city’s burgeoning downtown.

Designed by tastemaker Kelly Wearstler, this luxury Miami hotel on Brickell Avenue deftly juxtaposes elite residential necessities with scene-making dining, roof-raising lounging and the intuitive service and unexpected delights recognized as Viceroy signatures.

Set within the ten-acre Icon Brickell enclave, the Viceroy is the quintessential Miami luxury hotel, located at the center of this urban resort replete with skyscraping residential towers, two parks, a 28,000-square-foot spa and fitness center, and a two-acre outdoor living room bedecked by a 300-foot long pool, oversized outdoor fireplace, and more lifestyle flights of fancy.

Reservation: 305. 503 .4400

The Biltmore, Coral Gables

A sanctuary for the senses in the center of Miami, a place that offers peace, inspiration and profound relaxation.  Perched on the 7th floor of the iconic Biltmore Resort, with spectacular views of the golf course, the Biltmore Spa relaxes and tunes the mind and body while stimulating the senses. The timeless feeling of the Historic Landmark hotel, rich stones and warm wood, were used throughout the Spa to create a serene and restful ambiance. Here in the contemporary elegance befitting the Biltmore’s distinguished past and new splendor, each therapist is driven by a deeply personal vision of well-being.  The Biltmore Spa offers a wide array of nourishing and balancing personalized treatments from around the world and seeks to capture a connection with each guest.

Marvelous May

Take a Spa Escape at 9am or 2pm with our Signature Chardonnay 70-minute massage and pay for the price of the Signature Chardonnay 50-minute massage. Add any facial and receive 20% off your facial treatment.

*This promotion is not valid with gift card purchases or any other discounts or offers. Promotion must be mentioned upon booking and has limited availability so we encourage you to book well in advance. Promotion is available on only 70-minute Chardonnay massage reserved for 9am or 2pm. Facial treatment must be received the same day by same guest to qualify for 20% discount. Promotion is not available on Saturdays or Holidays and expires on May 31st.

Harmonize: The Art of couple’s massage

This 70-minute session enables couples to learn diverse massage techniques in the luxurious Zen Spa suite. Your massage therapist will start the session by introducing you to the benefits of aromatherapy oils and massage as a unique tool to de-stress and reconnect with each other. Each participant will be given the opportunity to choose which area they would like their partner to focus on – full body, back, hands or feet. Your therapist will then show you various techniques, before you and your partner spend time practicing on each other under the watchful eye of a professional guiding you to perfection. This is the perfect way for you and your partner to learn the art of massage, share a magical moment together and take home some valuable relaxation tools.

Cost:70 minutes Session $190 per couple

*18% gratuity not included

Consultation & Acupuncture Treatment

A comprehensive initial consultation, evaluation and extended acupuncture session utilizing sterile, disposable acupuncture needles, and topical herbal applications or other adjunctive acupuncture techniques. Herbal, dietary and/or lifestyle recommendations may also be included.

Cost: 90 minutes $150 (regular price $200)

*This promotion is available Monday through Friday and not valid with gift card purchases or any other discounts or offers. Promotion must be mentioned upon booking and is based on availability.

Happy Hands and Feet

Mango Manicure and Pedicure

Cost: $80 for 70 minutes. Reservation required.

*This promotion is available everyday  and not valid with gift card purchases or any other discounts or offers. 18% gratuity not included. Promotion must be mentioned upon booking and is based on availability.

Reservation 305.913.3187

Hope these ideas help you to get into the VIBE next year and for those few events that are still going on till the end of the month.