Food, Travel, Lifestyle Videos — Be happy and be CiCiLicious!
Stay in touch with me! Hey there, I have the greatest gift on earth for you this holiday! You don’t believe or don’t know what it is yet? Here’s what other famous people have talked about it…
Food, Travel, Lifestyle Videos — Be happy and be CiCiLicious!
I don’t know about you, but I really love scallops. Today let’s learn how to make amazing pan seared scallops with Chef Jason. You know what I truly think about Chef Jason’s scallops? It’s a perfect bite! Every elements just complementary with each other perfectly! Triomphe itself is a tribute to simplicity of design, with a “jewel box” atmosphere filled with quiet conversations and delicious aromas. A perfect respite from the bustling streets of the city, Triomphe lounge features expert mixologists serving one of a kind cocktails and an expertly chosen wine selections. Triomphe continues to earn high honors with a 25 for food and service in the 2012 Zagat ratings.
Scallop Recipe:
4 large u-10 diver sea scallops
4 medium porcini mushrooms sliced
1 tbs porcini butter
1 cup chicken stock
½ cup heavy cream
1 tbs chopped parsley
½ tsp truffle oil
Basil oil for drizzle
Salt & pepper to taste
½ tsp blended oil for searing
49 West 44th St.
NYC, NY 10036
(212) 453-4233
www.triomphe-newyork.com
Truffle Hunting is a very exciting experience. A white truffle hunter is accompanied by….. a dog! In fact, white truffles grow under the ground, so only with dog’s sense of smell and intuition could lead us to white truffles.
12 Dos and Don’ts in Piedmont Region in Italy
It was my first trip to Italy… After not being able to sleep on the plane for 10 hours, we arrived at Turin in Italy with 6 hours of jetlag versus New York. For the first time: hearing people spoke Italian everywhere but not English; seeing Romanesque and Baroque styled building everywhere but not Skyscrapers; smelling super fresh air in the sky everywhere but not polluted air from yellow cabs.
They also say sì sì sì sì sì sì wherever I go, which sounds like I’m super popular there… CiCi CiCi CiCi! So I was no longer tired. I was so eager to discover every single detail of this region! Here are some dos and don’ts for you!
Dos:
1. Bring European adaptor plug.
2. Wear comfortable shoes and stylist clothing.
3. Exchange dollars to euros.
4. Bring Amex or Capital One cards if you have because they don’t charge exchange rate.
5. Have breakfast in the hotel because most of them include breakfast.
6. Go to the top of National Cinema Museum and you will see the view of the entire Turin.
7. Check out the Piazza Castello, the heart of the city, where Palazzo Reale, Palazzo Madama, the Royal Library and Armoury, the Teatro Regio and the church of San Lorenzo are located.
8. Drink a cup of Bicerin, a traditional hot drink for Turin, made of espresso, chocolate, and milk.
9. Check out Fontanafredda, one of the most historical wine cellar in Alba.
10. Join a white truffle hunting tour in Alba. It’s one of the most exciting of experiences for truffle enthusiasts. A white truffle hunter is accompanied by….. a dog! In fact, white truffles grow under the ground, so only with dog’s sense of smell and intuition could lead us to white truffles.
11. Visit the International Alba White Truffle Festival. They have been celebrating the harvest of white truffles since 1929 from every early October through mid-November.
12. Bring white truffles, hazelnuts, chocolates, and wines such as Barberesco and Barolo back as Souvenirs. In case you do bring white truffles back, be aware that they only last for a week.
Don’ts:
1. Don’t order Cappuccino after 11am because it only serves in the morning.
2. Don’t order soda with your meals because people only drink wine or water with meals.
3. Don’t order Diet Coke because they only have Light Coke and it’s a girly and childish drink.
4. Don’t order food to go unless is a pizza place.
5. Don’t eat a salad before main course because they consider a side dish not appetizer.
6. Don’t drive in Alba as they have super tiny routes and mountain routes.
7. Don’t use their toilet papers too hard because most of them are harder and rougher than what we have in the US…
8. Don’t go to the shops from 12:30pm to 4pm because they usually take 3 to 4 hours lunch break.
9. Don’t go to the bank in the afternoon because they only open in the morning and 1 hour in the afternoon.
10. Don’t give money to the baggers because then they won’t leave you alone.
11. Don’t wear tank top and shorts in a Church.
12. Tipping is not required. Indeed, tipping people you personally know is considered offensive.
Food, Travel, Lifestyle Videos — Be happy and be CiCiLicious!
The New York Chocolate Show is the largest show completely dedicated to chocolate in the United States. Considered the chocolate hub of North America, this show will bring together more than 65 fine chocolate companies who will present a diverse array of fine chocolates and chocolate-inspired products that tantalize the senses! This year’s Chocolate Show features book signings by award-winning authors; cooking demonstrations in two culinary theaters featuring renowned chocolatiers and pastry chefs who will share secrets of the trade; a Kids Zone dedicated to fun-filled activities for young chocolate lovers and more!
Food, Travel, Lifestyle Videos — Be happy and be CiCiLicious!
All the beauties of Piedmont are summarized and celebrated in its regional capital. Roman (the Porte Palatine remind its origins), then Romanesque, Baroque and up to modern days architecture. There aremore than 40museums hosting precious things, which are often unique specimens in Italy and abroad. The EgyptianMuseumis the second most important museum in the world after the one in Cairo. The Museo Nazionale del Cinema [NationalMuseumof Cinema] is one of a kind, with a vertical structure (3,200 sq. metres on 5 floors) in themagical setting of theMole Antonelliana that, with its “audacious” 167-metre height, is the symbol of this city in the world.
The Savoy monarchy was mainly “warlike”, but the use ofweaponswas alwaysmatched by a passion for art, theatre,music, parks and gardens. The court hosted architects, painters and people of letters; it organized superb parties and hunting events: exclusive leisure activities that became a point of reference for European aristocrats. There are 15 Savoy Residences -UNESCO WorldHeritage Sites – and they represent an important cultural route: five of themare in the city (Palazzo Reale, PalazzoMadama, Palazzo Carignano, Castello del Valentino and Villa della Regina), the others are in the surroundings, (e.g., the StupinigiHunting Lodge, the castles of Rivoli – hosting the importantMuseumof Contemporary Art, Moncalieri, Agliè and, of course, the Reggia di Venaria). The residences were completed around themiddle 18th Century and are also known as the “delightful crown” as they surround Turin like a ring.
There aremany facets that are the ingredients of its charm. Turin means museums, music, cinema, culture, art and spirit; but also antiques, bibliophily, and shopping. But Turin is also sweet – with its chocolate, pastries andmany other unique delicacies such as “bicerin”, cakes and candies – as well as savoury, with the traditional aperitif “rite” and typical recipes. The local cuisine has become a worldwide famous feature. The research for often unique ingredients, always natural, the creativity and ability of cooks, confectioners and chocolate makers are the basis of the local culture and passion for good food, which is represented by the many trattorias as well as luxury restaurants.
Food, Travel, Lifestyle Videos — Be happy and be CiCiLicious!
Let’s learn how to cook perfect porterhouse steak at Empire Steakhouse with Jack today! “At Empire Steakhouse, our passionate commitment to serving great steaks is matched only by our dedication to providing the highest-quality service.
Founded by Jeff Sinanaj, along with his brothers-owners of the storied Ben and Jack’s Steakhouse – Empire Steakhouse proudly brings the time honored tradition of quality steaks to Midtown West. With a combined experience of over 25 years as former Peter Luger Waiters, the Sinanaj Brothers are experts at providing the finest dining experience.
Empire’s famous porterhouse for two is a standout. Equally impressive are the succulent seafood dishes, superb side dishes, and knockout desserts. The food is complemented by a wine list that is expansive, yet highly selective – and features many of California’s most sought-after vintages. The room at Empire is also a highlight. A temple of glass and steel, large windows and ample light abound. The overall feeling is bright, warm and inviting… all perfect accompaniments to the delicious cuisine. ”
Empire Steak House
36 West 52nd Street
New York, NY 10019
212.582.6900
