Kouzzina by Cat Cora at Disney's BoardWalk

Having annual Disney passes, we are in Orlando more than what is probably considered normal! When you're after something a little finer than Mickey Mouse waffles (which are excellent, don't get me wrong!), there are actually some really good dining options in the area. We recently tried Cat Cora's Kouzzina at the BoardWalk. While the atmosphere felt a bit Disney-themey to me, the Greek food was really good. My favorite was the sampler that we started with. We loved the creamy house-made hummus with grilled pitas, kabobs with garlicky tzatzkiki, and goat-cheese stuffed grape leaves. Of course we finished our meal off with some super-smooth Ouzo from their extensive list. Opa!

Peony Love

I love peonies. The scent alone brings me straight back to my childhood in New York. We had a large peony bush in the backyard. Each spring when the giant pink poofs blossomed, I would pick them and hold the soft petals to my nose and inhale the sweet scent. It was a fragrance that promised of days at the lake, backyard barbecues and playing tag until the sun went down.

Cannellini Bean Bruschetta

Made these savory-yet-healthy (vegan!) apps for a cocktail party I'm going to tonight. They are super easy and you can make the spread in advance and store in the fridge for a day or two.

1 can Cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
1 TBSP extra virgin olive oil
1/2 tsp course sea salt
1/4 tsp fresh ground pepper
1 TBSP fresh lemon juice
2 TBSP Julienne cut sun-dried tomatoes in oil (do not drain oil)
2 springs fresh rosemary
1 clove garlic

Put all ingredients in a food processor and pulse until combined, keeping slightly chunky for a rustic texture. Spoon on top of toasted baguette rounds and garnish with a sliver of sun-dried tomato and a pinch of rosemary.

Mougins, France

The picturesque hilltop village of Mougins is a 15-minute drive from Cannes. Walking down the maze of pedestrian-only streets is a bit like a treasure hunt—you never know which quaint boutique or café you might stumble upon. Home to many artists' studios and galleries, Picasso actually spent the last decade of his life here. Mougins is also known for its cuisine, and plays host to the annual International Gastronomy Festival of Mougins. There are sidewalk bistros to linger at on warm days and cave-like underground restaurants that serve Provencal food. There are shops with wonderful lavender and lemon verbena soaps made nearby in Grasse, antique shops worth scouring and galleries selling signed prints to take home. I've been lucky enough to visit a few times, and it always feels like stepping into a story book.

Paradise Flower

Perhaps it's because of my love for Georgia O'Keeffe, but I am obsessed with photographing flowers. We planted these vining paradise flowers over the weekend. They are so strangely beautiful, my daughter and I had to have them in the yard somewhere! They are a butterfly host, so we hope to have many colorful guests fluttering by.

Cummer Museum & Gardens

The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens in Riverside is one of my favorite places to spend a mommy & me day with Bella. There's a wonderful interactive wing for children called Art Connections. They can explore art and history in a kid-friendly environment. After playing inside, we like to wander out to the idyllic gardens that lie along the banks of the St. Johns River. There are Italian arches, ornate fountains, English roses, and giant swooping oak trees. Here I caught her taking a break at the reflecting pool. 

Details: Closed Mondays & major holidays. Open Tues: 10am-9pm (FREE from 4pm-9pm), Weds, Thurs, Fri: 10am-4pm, Sat: 10am-5pm, Sun: 12pm-5pm. Admission: Children 5 and under are free, adults $10.

Chicken-Avocado Quesadillas & Black Bean Salad

Preparing dinner on Thursday nights can be challenging. My husband coaches my 5-year old's soccer team, and they both need to be out the door by 5:30. I always want it to be something healthy and quick. Tonight I made these super-easy quesadillas and black bean salad that we all gobbled up.
 
Whole grain chicken & avocado quesadillas
-whole grain tortillas
-shredded colby jack
-boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size strips
-olive oil
-thinly sliced avocado
-chipotle salsa
-sea salt 
 
Black bean salad
-can of black beans, drained
-1 scallion, chopped
-1 roma tomato, diced
-sea salt

Sautee chicken strips in a TBSP olive oil, set aside. Heat a skillet at medium heat and sprinkle a little sea salt. Place one whole grain tortilla in pan. Layer with cheese, chicken, and sliced avocado, drizzle chipotle salsa evenly. Top with another tortilla, flipping once when cheese is melted. Cut into quarters and serve. (I served with a little sour cream). Meanwhile, in a small sauce pan on medium, heat beans until bubbly. Turn off heat and add a dash of sea salt, scallion and tomato. Stir to combine and serve.

Sunday Brunch at the Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island's Salt

A pretty fabulous local brunch spots is at the Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island. An area that is naturally stunning, Amelia Island is just an easy drive north of Jacksonville. Perched on an expansive 13-mile stretch of beach and featuring a world-class golf course and tranquil spa, the Ritz-Carlton is ideal for those seeking a luxurious escape. It attracts both locals looking for a weekend of pampering and international travelers accustomed to what the 5-star hotel chain offers.

A lovely way to spend a Sunday morning is to drive along the winding, oak tree-lined road that leads to the Ritz. From under a canopy of trees, you'll view glimpses of the Atlantic. Upon arrival at The Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island, valet the car and reward yourself with an exquisite brunch at Salt, one of the hotel's several dining options. Nibble on smoked salmon with capers, personalized omelets, airy waffles and a tempting dessert table. As you leisurely sip a Mimosa and stare at the deep blue sea, you'll find it hard to believe you have barely left Jacksonville.

Reservations for Salt are highly recommended: 904-277-1028

Bouchon at Home

The delight of lingering over a creamy café au lait and flakey pastries at Thomas Keller’s Bouchon has become a bit more attainable. Williams-Sonoma now has an exclusive line of mixes inspired by Keller’s Parisian-style boulangeries. The mixes are made with all-natural, premium ingredients and are simple to prepare. From the Cinnamon Pecan Waffles to the Double Chocolate Chunk Cookies, I'll be enjoying a little taste of Bouchon at home.

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to all of the amazing moms out there!!

Comté Soufflé

Cheesy, light as air goodness at Le Cirque in Manhattan.

This soufflé made with Comté cheese was so exquisitely luscious,

I had to hunt down a recipe. I will be trying this one at home!

Ingredients

4 tablespoons butter, plus extra to coat soufflé dish

4 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1¾ cups 2% reduced-fat milk

¼ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper

1/8 teaspoon grated nutmeg

2 cups (8 ounces) shredded Comté cheese

4 eggs, separated

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375F. Lightly coat the bottom and sides of a 2-quart soufflé dish with butter.

2. Melt 4 tablespoons butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add flour; cook, stirring, 2 minutes. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly to blend. Add salt, pepper and nutmeg. Bring to a low boil. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring, until thickened. Add cheese; stir until melted. Remove from heat. Beat in egg yolks, one at a time. Cool.

3. Beat egg whites until stiff and smooth. Blend a dollop of whites into the cheese mixture to lighten it. With a rubber spatula, gently fold cheese mixture into remaining egg whites, using an up-and-down, circular motion, until only a few white streaks remain.

4. Spoon into soufflé dish and bake 35 to 40 minutes. Serve immediately Serves 4.

(Recipe from relishmag.com)

Cinderella's Royal Table

This past weekend my family, friends and I were lunching at a rather exclusive spot. Three months ago, I proceeded laboriously through an automated phone system for this table. I had a very finicky diner to impress. When I finally had the confirmation, I sighed in relief. (Actually I jumped and screamed as if I’d won the lottery). I had scored a reservation at Cinderella’s Royal Table for my daughter’s fifth birthday.

Cinderella’s Royal Table is located inside the castle at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. Anyone with daughters could tell you it’s like getting in at French Laundry or Rao’s; it’s the hottest table in the Kingdom. The Disney princesses are present for breakfast and lunch, making it insanely popular. Mobs of young girls decked out in princess gear swarm the restaurant. My daughter, Bella, chooses a powder blue Cinderella gown and crystal tiara for the occasion. Her BFF dons an aqua Arielle number.

Upon arrival, we’re escorted inside where Cinderella herself is waiting for us with a photographer. A photo package is included with the meal ($30 - $49/person). Post-paparazzi, we climb a winding, red-carpeted stairwell that leads into the dining room. It’s a large, circular room with gothic arches and tall windows with stained glass mosaics; very dramatic in a Disney kind of way.

After being seated, we’re presented with plates of antipasti. The bruschetta, roasted red peppers and salami are a welcome sight to fast-fading parents. A little wine would make us even happier, but the waiter informs, “Sorry m’lady, but there’s no alcohol in this kingdom.” While the adults graze, the princesses make their rounds. Kids squeal in delight as their autograph books are signed. “Mommy! It’s SNOW WHITE!”

Next is the main course. The pork tenderloin with couscous and Cabernet sauce was good. The pork was tender and the sauce’s sweetness contrasted the garlicky meat. There’s seared salmon with rice, Asian vegetables and garlic-ginger sauce. The salmon was crisp-skinned and flaky, perfectly fine. There’s also a savory meat-pie with a puff-pastry crust that seems right at home given the setting. For kids it’s standard fare: hot dogs and macaroni.

Dessert options include sorbet with fresh berries and a tasty pistachio rice pudding. We opted to pre-order a birthday cake ($21), which was ceremoniously presented to a beaming birthday girl.

Service was accommodating but rushed, like any Disney restaurant. The food, while satisfying, was nothing fantastic. But if you book Cinderella’s Royal Table for the cuisine, you’ve missed the point. You go for the look of wonderment in your child’s eyes and to see them brimming with laughter. You go to feel like a kid again yourself. That’s what makes it a meal worth remembering, long after you’ve forgotten the food.