Papi's Russian Tea Room

I don't really know what I was thinking when I decided to walk 20 something blocks in Manhattan on a hot summer day, knowing I'd have to enter the Kremlin (NYC version). Luckily, I've lived my life as a vagabond long enough to know what to do when my wardrobe malfunctions (loss of stretchband elasticity, persperation stains and armpit whole)... Yes. So the plan is to make sure to walk an extra block out of the way and slow down the pace and lower my heart rate and soak in the beauty and the peaceful oasis that is Bryant Park. In the whirlwind of the city vibe Bryant park is a sanctuary. My footsteps widen, my shoulders relax, my chin lifts and I can suddenly breathe and i'm mesmerized by the sight. Wait, for a moment I'm not in Manhattan, but I'm carried away to a Parisian Parc; where lovers picnic on the grass absorbing the suns rays, children chasing butterflies, a couple of elderly men compete at a game of chess, and a woman sits alone on a park bench with her favorite companion... a good book. It's in this quiet moment when I step out of my own reality that I feel more myself... A true vagabond at heart... my friend once referred to me as an escapist. Which is true to some degree, because I don't have to ever go very far or carry a lot of baggage to go and see what I want to see or be where I want to be. I've perfected the art of living in the moment of the city and being in all but one. I take a few steps down as I exit the park and as if I've just stepped through a portal I'm back in the race. I have to be there at 2:00 and I look like a hot mess. So I dash to the nearest department store. Really, I just followed my heart to Bergdorf Goodman. Literally walked out with a new dress and a European shower, as I pass the cosmetics counter. I close out my tab and in a hop skip and a jump, I enter the Brasserie Pushkin and suddenly I'm pushed through another portal, into the Russian empire. I'm greeted at the door by the hostess. Oops how does she know my name? Must mean I'm the last to arrive, but I wasn't late. As I followed the hostess (wondering if she was really Russian) my head swung from one side of the room to the other, my expression was awe. There's no way those pastries are real or edible, they look like crown jewels they're radiant and colorful and intricate designs, dusted in gold flakes. I think I've died and gone to heaven! I fall a few steps behind the hostess as my head falls back and my eyes trace the wood oak panels all the way up to the sky. It seems this is a Russian palace. It is a marvel. The hostess seats me at the table where I reach my destination, my family. On this day we have gathered to celebrate my father in honor of Fathers Day. I'm relieved to sit after the hike and after a sip of sparkling water I begin my tirade of events. We toast my father and send blessings to my mother caring for our grandmother in Spain. We order a good variety of dishes my dad the Beef Stroganoff, after the Russian Masha I cool myself down a bit and I chose the Burger "Pojarsky" which is a veal and chicken cutlet, with house made crouton crust. My sister, Andrea ordered something that just looked really pretty on her plate and her boyfriend, Clinth decided on one of the egg dishes and Russian bacon (they were both big fans of the Pushkin's olive bread). Time to eat, but be sure to leave room for dessert, because their selection is out of this world. While Andrey Makhov is the Executive Chef at Pushkin, it is Emmanuel Ryon who sculpts the pastries in to the most delectable delights. So we delighted on a Cafe Pushkin, a layered cake of blueberry & raspberry gelee, toasted almonds, raspberry sorbet, pistachio mousse, and vanilla orange coulis, which all seemed to lay dormant under a a dark chocolate dome until you take the first bite and you encounter each and every flavor at once then apart then at once again and it finishes with a lingering hint of raspberry. So refreshing and light! It's incomparable to any dessert I've ever had! It pairs nicely with the Prosecco... then again what doesn't? It was a majestic meal that I will alway remember and I'm so glad we had the opportunity to share this moment with my father. The frescos on the walls, the ceilings, the wood details the chandelier lighting, the plush cushions and sofas. My dad was Russian Emperor for the day and that for him is a title well deserved.

Champagne Showers

In order to properly ring in the new year it must be done right. Call me old fashioned, but I do not want your "gimmicky" cocktails or your "wicked" good beer. No, just give me the bubbly!!! Not a Mimosa, not a Bellini not a Champagne Cobbler - or Regent's Punch - or Magna Carta - or Kir Royale - or Morning Glory - or any of those other hybrids... I like the pure stuff, the distinguished and noble bubbly.

I truly love a beautiful  flute filled to the brim with golden bubbles to really lifts my spirits. I know, it's a little bourgeoisie, but come on it's undeniably, refreshingly elegant, classic and refined to see. I don't care, I'll drink it from a plastic party cup or a baby's sippy cup. I have no shame when it comes to the bubbly. And I'd rather pick up a bottle under $20 than a bottle of DP. Read on to learn about my favorite three.

Here's my top three:

 

1. Sofia Coppola's Blanc de Blanc Sparkling Wine from Francis Coppola's Winery

Do not let the pink cellophane packaging fool you. This is my go to, because it's light and refreshing and not heady at all. Like a bouquet of fresh flowers! Plus it's uber reasonably priced at around $15 a pop! It also comes in little cans with sippy straws which indulges the child in me (Capri Sun anyone?) and I've never met anyone who does not enjoy this selection! Didn't Marie Antoinette stash a bottle of Blanc de Blanc in her boudoir? 

2. Freixenet Cava Cordon Negro Brut

I'm a true Spaniard at heart and Spaniards like to drink Cava. T= my next selection of favorite bubbly is the always fabulous Freixenet. If I were going to describe it with one word, I think it would have to be "rich"! Magically it only costs around $12. It comes in a beautiful vintage looking bottle, very serious, very dark, very dry, very Great Gatsby. I would drink this out of a champagne coupe for all the homeys.

3. Villa Sandi Prosecco

Ever since my trip to Italy I've been a crazy fanatic for Prosecco. Whenever it's available on store shelves I reach for the Villa Sandi brand, because it is just right and only about $15 a bottle. It's never failed me!

This NYE I'll be sipping my favorite top three bubblys, but what about you? What's your favorite libation on NYE??

Happy New Year! Chin-Chin!!!

xo, Ciao Bella

Bonus Tip: Spanish tradition says to eat twelve grapes at the stroke of midnight to bring you good luck and prosperity throughout the new year!

Best Halloween Costume of 2011... From the House of CHANEL, Karl Lagerfeld

And the Best Costume Award of Halloween 2011 goes to the Fabulous Diamond Doctor, Dr. Dre!

Others have tried, but really I think Dre nailed it!

Can you tell who the real Uncle Karl is?



Or is it him?????





Is it him????











Happy Halloween!!!

xo, Ciao Bella

Back to Bass Sting

Sting's Back to Bass Tour
Tower Theater, Philadelphia, PA
October 27, 2011

I have tote been obsessed with Sting since I was a kid. So when it was announced to me that he would be performing at the historic Tower Theater in Philadelphia, I knew it was meant to be. I had to go see him. Sting's Back to Bass Tour is the anniversary tour marking his 25 years as a solo artist. I was pleased to hear him also perform songs from The Police such as Demolition Man, Driven to Tears, Every Breath You Take, and a few others. It was a nostalgic moment for me really, because I grew up with the music of The Police en mi casa. It is in the soundtrack of my life. So much so, that I was overwhelmed and suddenly flooded with the memories of my youth, my family and my brother.

xo, Ciao Bella

Desert Face Paint

As I journeyed across the eastern Utah desert, it was the most fantastic sunsets over the red rocks and vast sun kissed landscapes that inspired my face color palette for Fall '11



1. Eyes/Sky at dusk - Lavera Mascara 2 in Blue:



Lavera Mascara 2 Blue, Target $18.99



To this day I can still remember my third grade substitute teacher, Mrs. Rich. I always thought she was so elegant and classy always done up and dressed in sophistication. She always smelled pretty and she always wore a different color mascara. At the time, I was eight and this was perplexing to me. I didn't understand mascara and that it could possibly come in multiple colors was way avant garde, but I was mesmerized by her eyelashes during class. Particularly when she wore her blue mascara...  Fast forward twenty-five years later and I don't see myself wearing brilliant blue mascara anytime soon. However, I do L-O-V-E Lavera Volume Mascara #2 (blue). It is a midnight blue, but the ultra violet hues it radiates brightens my dark brown eyes and that is truly, truly, truly outrageous!  The brand, Lavera is from Germany and the mascara is infused with nourishing extracts of Organic Jojoba & Wild Rose Oils, so it brushes on nice and smooth not at all clumpy or flaky. It's very light and pure so that it washes off with just a little bit of cleanser.

  

Nars Blush Orgasm and Illuminator, Neiman Marcus $27-$29





2. Cheeks/Sunset glow - Nars Orgasm Blush & Illuminator:

This is the most gorgeous product you can put on your face. Complements all skin tones, by enhancing your radiance. This adds a boost to your beautiful bust!

Lightly layer the blush on your cheekbone and dab the illuminator to your most prominent features such as brow, bridge of nose, anywhere you naturally tan from the sun and it gives you an instant dewy look. So orgasmic!

3. Lips/Utah Red Rocks - Yves Saint Laurent, Rouge Pur Couture, Pure Color Lipstick SPF 15, #13 Le Orange:



YSL, Rouge Pur Couture, Pure Color Lipstick #13 Le Orange
Neiman Marcus, $30 



There's a fabulous reason why beauty editors everywhere love YSL Rouge Pur Couture. Actually, a few. It comes in gorgeous colors, it glides on smoothly and evenly, and it stays on without smearing or feathering. Does everything a lipstick should do. I first spotted this orangey red on Kourtney Kardashian's lips and I tried to track it down for weeks, like a mad stalker. When I finally discovered it, I went directly to Neiman Marcus where I purchased the very last tube in stock. This baby keeps flying off the shelves. WOW!



Go see the desert...

xo, Ciao Bella

Top 3 Places I Want to Eat at Right Now

I love food. Not Only do I love food, but I love creating, weaving and spinning this whole atmosphere around food. I'm not sure at what point I became the cliche, but I've become one neurotic, ravenous, insatiable, food snob..."Foodie"... and I'm hungry all of the time. To satiate this disproportionately obscene appetite, I surf the net, for places to eat. I'm basically just stalking different restaurants, but also learning more about the people behind the food. I love knowing where my food comes from. 

So without further ado. Here's my Top 3 Places I Want to Eat at Right Now!


#1. Pure Food and Wine



Pure Food and Wine - One Lucky Duck

http://www.purefoodandwine.com/

Located at 54 Irving Place, New York, NY 10003

Co-founded by Sarma Melngailis, also co-executive chef, and then executive chef.

This place is a divine raw food and vegan restaurant, prepared entirely by plant based ingredients with care to preserve the vitamins, minerals and enzymes. The ingredients are described by Forbes magazine as being, "turned into exquisite and exotically delicious offerings". Even the wine is mindfully selected serving simply sustainably, organic and biodynamic wines as well as seasonal sake cocktails. This place actually has sake on tap! The water served and used to cook with is specially purified through the Tensui water filtration system. Eat Raw Live Long!

#2 Talula's Garden

Talula's Garden

http://www.talulasgarden.com/

Located at 210 West Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA 19106

Owned by Aimee Olexy with Stephen Starr as collaborator

I'm so stoked about eating at this place that my mouth salivates just looking at their website! I really love eating a meal that's so fresh that it seems that the cook just hand picked the ingredients straight from the garden out back, just moments prior to my arrival. That's why this place is so special, because they do just that... only it's not literally their back yard, but more like local farms and distributors (ie.Three Springs Orchard, Culton Organics, Lancaster Farm Fresh, A. Buzby, Willow Hill, Linden Dale, Birchrun Hills Farm,I guess I'm a farm girl at heart, because I love me some farm fresh cooking! I also love me some cheese and they have an f-i-n-e selection of cheeses from all over. Also serving organic, biodynamic, vegan, and earth conscious wine. Don't you love it? The chef uses only seasonal ingredients, so if you're like me and you like to peruse the menu before you go, please keep mind that it changes periodically.

Pete’s Produce, HG Haskell, and The Challenge Program).

#3 Cafe Gratitude

Cafe Gratitude
http://www.cafegratitude.com/
Located at various locations in CA

I guess I'll have to fly all the way to California to enjoy the 100% organic vegan menu at Cafe Gratitude. They actually have their very own farm in Vacaville, CA (Be Love Farm). Don't you just love it? They practice a sacred business of self sustainability, gratitude and love. I think it has such a beautiful philosophy behind it, why not eat it? And just like that... California, here I come.

This is straight from the menu:

Café Gratitude is our expression of a world of plenty. Our food and people are a celebration of our aliveness. We select the finest organic ingredients to honor the earth and ourselves, as we are one and the same. We support local farmers, sustainable agriculture, and environmentally friendly products. Our food is prepared with love. We invite you to step inside and enjoy being someone who chooses: loving your life, adoring yourself, accepting the world, being generous and grateful every day, and experiencing being provided for. Have fun and enjoy being nourished.

Welcome to Café Gratitude!

"Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food." – Hippocrates

xo, Ciao Bella

September Book Club Selection: "Let's Take the Long Way Home"...

 ... And bring some tissue with you...

I felt my heart stirring as soon as I picked up this book off the library shelf. The thought about good friendships. The good friends that have brought grace, joy and laughter to your life. The friends that you can't bare to live without, because their entire being infuses your spirit. They add color and sprite to your days and it helps you to get by in life.

That's the kind of reading I did and did not expect from this book. Truth be told, I didn't know what to expect. I knew the story was about two friends who loved to walk their dogs together, both have a history of alcohol abuse, they forge a symbiotic bond and one dies of cancer. And the thought of THAT made the image of each one of my lady friends roll through my mind like a black and white classic photo in a slide show.


xo, Ciao Bella