Life of the Party Always!

Urban Pi – Creative Pizza

The next time you are in the Del Mar area, Urban Pi is a good choice for a quick and tasty lunch. The concept is fast and casual but with an upscale wine bar kind of feeling. The fun part is you get to create your own lunch or dinner with the help of the friendly staff. The name says Creative Pizza but it is so much more with house made soups of the day that aren’t your usual soups, a variety of salads and oven fired sides to choose from. Something to rave about with one of those sides too! Oh, and there is always dessert!

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Chicks on Sticks

Why did the chicken cross the road? To spicy up his life, is why! There is never a reason to have a boring chicken cross your plate. Chickens are very agreeable. They are happy to provide you with a fairly neutral canvas to color upon. These little chicks threaded their way onto sticks since they had been invited to a party! They would be equally happy being served up on a platter as a whole marinated breast. Anyway you slice it, the sweet and salty, slightly zesty marinade makes these chickens thrilled to dance to whatever song your playing, especially when you dress them up in a Spicy Orange Sauce outfit! Remember they do have their own song and “Chicken Dance” already! Continue reading →

Brigantine Chardonnay Trout

You never know when the fish are going to bite but when they do, a quick appetizer of grilled trout is just what the chef requested. Our friend Pat from the Brigantine, San Diego shows us how to make an easy appetizer along with the story of how the Brigantine creates it’s house blend Chardonnay each year at River Road Vineyards in the Russian River Valley of Sonoma County. We open with shots of our beautiful camping spot at McGee Creek, CA where the trout were jumping….right onto our grill!

Bergamot Bourbon Iced Tea – Friday’s 5 o’clock Wet Your Whistle Call!

Y’all in the south and those of you on the East Coast have a different idea-r about humidity than we do in Southern California but to us, its been humid and hot here lately! Time to take the Lipton Iced Tea Plunge! You know the commercial where you free fall backwards into the swimming pool to cool yourself off? We’re going to do it with an Iced Tea Cocktail instead! Prepare to Plunge! Continue reading →

Italian Flags – Chicken Sausages on Picks

If you’re looking for a complicated, posh appetizer where you spend hours in the kitchen….this is NOT it! If you want a simple appetizer that delivers a big Wow factor and satisfaction every time, you’re in the right place! When I’m in a rush but need an appetizer I can rely on, Italian Flags always come to mind. Yummy chicken sausages topped with the colors of the Italian Flag. Let’s just say the artichoke is white ‘cuz I wanted a departure from the usual Caprese combo. Although, that would be tasty too! Continue reading →

Biking Pub Crawl Around Coronado Island, CA

Happy 19th Anniversary Steve and Carolyn! 19th anniversary on the 19th must be a sign of good times and more fun to come. If the Biking Pub Crawl is any indication, the good times are a cinch! Need a fun idea for a celebration in a whole new way? Try a Biking Pub Crawl! Here’s how ours rolled out. Continue reading →

Zippy Ninja Breakfast Shake

No time for breakfast but need to eat! That’s me! And my husband knows it. He is so cute about making sure I get something to eat before I launch myself into the crazy orbit that is my day. He makes great breakfasts on the weekends and for the weekdays it’s some version of his healthy shakes. A big part of the health in this drink is the joy and the laughter that ensues when I watch him in action. My Ninja chef! Continue reading →

Crock Pot Chicken Tacos with Baked Taco Shells

Crock Pot in the summertime? You betcha!! I used to only think about dragging my crock pot out in the Fall when a crisp nip began to fill the air. But no more! When it’s hot outside the last thing you want to do is heat up the house cooking dinner. Besides we have better things to do with our time than cook on a beautiful summer day. My list is long and it usually involves some pool or beach time! Continue reading →

Cucumber Mint-tini – Friday’s 5 o’clock Wet Your Whistle Call!

Cool as a cucumber on a hot summer day! That’s what we wanted to feel like. Its hot, it’s humid and we don’t like feeling sticky! David and I decided to take a dip into a Cucumber Martini to cool us off. The cucumber is refreshing and the hint of mint tickles your taste buds. If you like the taste of cucumber you will surely enjoy this martini! Continue reading →

Pesto Tortellini Skewers

Stick it to me! It’s a party on a stick! For months Amanda and I have been trying to convince our friend Heidi to have a big bash for her 50th birthday. I mean, the Big 5-0 only comes around once, thank goodness, so you have to mark the milestone. Surround yourself with people you love and who love you and of course….lots of food and adult beverages! Continue reading →