Wine

When you’re busy at work all day, it’s hard to find time to cook in the evenings. So this week I’m practicing some quick, easy and healthy meals that you can prepare fast with limited ingredients. With two only two juicy tomatoes, a bag of saffron rice and a handful of collard greens, I prepared…

Every day is Valentine’s Day when you’ve got Love in your heart. Whether or not, you have a Special Other to join you in celebrating Valentine’s day, why not create a party just for yourself? When it comes to finding the Love of Your Life, he/she may be closer than you think. Look inside your heart. You may be surprised to find that all the Love you need is right there looking back at you in the mirror. Tell me, who is more compatible with you, than you? Who knows best what rocks your world? You do! And with any luck, you don’t argue much with yourself when it comes to what’s for dinner. Especially when it comes to such an important dinner as Valentine’s Day! We’re much more likely to draw our Love Partner to us…

This past week, I have been practicing my vegan dishes. It’s fun to find new and healthier ways to prepare some of your favorite meals. Ever try making a chocolate cake … using an avocado? I did! In order to prepare a vegan chocolate cake, you eliminate all ingredients that stem from animals. A healthy…

With such a warm night, I decided to enjoy a delicious and healthy meal on the rooftop deck of my apartment building in Banker’s Hill. Tonight’s menu: Teriyaki stir-fry, sticky rice and dumplings. A quick stop at Ralph’s and I was loaded up with London Broil strips and vibrant colored bell peppers. Back home I…

The weather in San Diego this past Saturday was gorgeous! After spending the last three winters in NYC, its lovely to spend a warm, sunny day out biking on New Year’s Eve. This New Year’s Eve I combined two of my favorite things: cycling and Mediterranean food! While out on the bikes, we stumbled upon…

This holiday you and your guests might like a break from turkey or ham. Try this Tasty Fish Dish from Cook Extraordinaire Marti! Holiday Cheers from Shira Bliss, LJWT. Flounder alla Puttanesca with Yukon Gold Fried Potatoes When I cook, which is frequently, I always use whatever ingredients I have on hand.  The word puttanesca…

Happy Halloween! I’m sure our 9 guests had no idea what they were getting themselves into when a “Witch” met them at the train station shouting “La Jolla Wine Tours!” Instead of running away in fright, our guests were brave and approached their very strange looking tour guide. Fortunately they did, because what a fun…

Yesterday evening, 6 guests and 1 tour guide set off on an amazing walking food and wine adventure of La Jolla Village. I was joined by Sandra and her mother, Wilma, Bryce and his girlfriend Lindsey, John and his wife Rachel. After a short introduction, we were all ready and excited to begin our adventure! At our first stop, we were all instant friends as we dined over Thai appetizers and wine. A short walk led us over to our next stop of an Italian variety. Our guests were absolutely floored by the quality, richness and deliciousness of our Italian lunch and wine pairing. Bryce and Wilma each purchased a bottle of Pasquale’s Secret Sauce to take home and enjoy again later. With full bellies, we set off on a longer walk down to Prospect St. We talked, laughed and…

I love my job. I always wished that I could say that phrase with complete sincerity rather than the usual tongue-in-cheek sarcasm. As a tour guide for LJWT, I work for a company of like-minded people who value and embrace the talents, ingenuity and contributions of their employees. I have the opportunity to spend several…

Oct. 5, 2011 Rainy Day Wine Tour “Rain or shine, we WILL drink WINE!” This seemed to be our motto yesterday as I led our 8 guests on a soggy winery train tour! As we began the tour we enjoyed a light misting as we made our way to lunch. We wined and dined as we discussed wine tasting, the art of winemaking and food pairing. Well fed and thirsty for more wine, we said goodbye to our gracious lunch host and crossed our fingers for a dry walk to our first Urban Winery stop. Apparently our fingers weren’t crossed tight enough. We sloshed quickly through the lake-sized puddles that lay between us our wine tasting. A few glasses of wine later, we were drying off nicely and enjoying a very informative tour of the winery. What a treat! The…