Showing posts with label 100% West Coast Luxe. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 100% West Coast Luxe. Show all posts

Thursday, August 20, 2009

FUN IN THE SUN

The Bella Luxe gang spent a glorious 4 days on the Piers 30-32 in San Francisco.
1. Excellent weather
2. Fabulous "Fresh" food
3. Beautiful people (everywhere!)

The V.I.P.s, indulged in lots of Luxe standards and healthful meals a plenty for the players and referees.

Along with sliders, carnitas, and braised beef piadinas, we served an array of Antipasti Misto.
Here is a simple recipe for an hors d'ouevres to serve for company.

Food Fashionista Original Recipe:
Gorgonzola with Balsamic reduction and fresh figs

Balsamic reduction:
3 cups balsamic vinegar ( we like O brand! )
1 cup brown sugar
2 T vanilla extract
1 vanilla bean, split in half and scraped, reserve bean
2 T freshly ground pepper
8 fresh figs, (any varietal will do or substitute 10 dried figs)
Directions:
Put everything in a saucepan (including the vanilla bean) and bring to a boil.
Lower heat on stove and let simmer, reduce by half.
Cool and transfer to a blender, blend until smooth.
I like to keep the syrup in a squeeze bottle in the refrigerator.

To arrange the platter:
Take a large wedge of Gorgonzola dolcelatte or Blue Cheese or even Fresh Ricotta and place on platter.
Place pieces of salami or prosciutto around the cheese (optional)
Quarter fresh figs, apricots or nectarines around platter, as well
Squirt or spoon the balsamic reduction over the fruit and cheese, garnish with almonds or pistachios, fresh herbs
Serve with crackers, flatbread or focaccia

Easy & Delicimo!

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Hot Cakes!




Aren't these individual cakes fabulous? My friend Christian ( the West Coast Ace of Cakes!) is at it again! His Valentine's Cakes are divine and just in time to order for your sweetie-order by Thursday! They arrive in a heart shaped box for on $25! The View from the Bay was at Bella Luxe yesterday filming Christian assembling these goodies with students from San Domenico. Look for the show TODAY at 3 p.m. Simply sweet sexy!

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Dreaming of Italy!





































San Francisco Bay was so amazing this weekend! It really felt like being in Venice-see for yourself!












Luca seems to be channeling Mario Batali!





It was an amazing weekend to be sailing on the Bay, with a small tour and a picnic at Angel Island thrown in for added fun!






Saturday, October 25, 2008

Table Translation


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Taking Juicy Couture's concept, here's how to dress your holiday table. Go modern Marakkesh with luxe table linens {check Dransfield & Ross} and luxe, gold leafed plates {like these from L'Object}.

And, fill lots of square vases with an abundance of roses! Roses everywhere!

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Peep Show


Oh-so West Coast! Dare I say it? These are the perfect O.C.-meets-SOMA-style peep toes! They have a beach girl casual air but they are constructed from understated, luxe, charcoal leather. Hot!

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Hot Heels


Bruno Frisoli does it again! I know the market is falling but, oh, the inspiration!! These slingbacks that are SO Hollywood-wife-meets-Parisian-showgirl fabulous.

Monday, October 13, 2008

West Coast Fabulishiness

These YSL sunglasses are hot!!!! Wear them to Farmers' Market!!

Friday, October 3, 2008

Sleek & Beachy

Oooo la la. This new tray from Pottery Barn is so West Coast luxe. I love the mother-of-pearl tiled handles. Simply lovely!

Monday, September 29, 2008

Refined and Slithery

More snakiness -- these Cole Haan sandals are so lady-who-lunches with a very structured (and slithery) sexiness. Love!

{Oh, and they are sandals and they are white and it is after Labor Day -- even more reason to wear them! We're West Coast, dahlings, and rules are meant to be bent!!}

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Celebrate


photo by Sasha Gulish

We decorated the chuppah with unfussy abundance. That's what makes this so very Bella Luxe stylish. Say no to fussy and hello to the happy couple!!

All my xoxoxoxoxox!!

Simply West Coast


photo by Sasha Gulish


Another tip: Repetition makes a statement.

These hurricane lamps at Ron and Tom's set the scene with their modern luxe feel. It's in the details, right dahlings?

As Promised!


photo by Sasha Gulish

Here are the snapshots I promised!
My friends Tom and Ron tied the knot and, while I only do the occasional wedding {because they must be super fabulous}, this celebration was truly West Coast style: simple, understatedly elegant with a carefree fabulousness that radiated through!
America, my flower guru, did these original Bella Luxe flowers with roses, dahlias, silver eucalyptus and limes.
It was pure glamour!