A Taste of Chico
Once a year, downtown Chico, California hosts a fun-filled afternoon for all of the senses to enjoy, known as the Taste of Chico. One of our Kerrie Kelly Design Lab designers, Jill Williams experienced this event first hand last weekend! On September 11th from 12:00-4:00, visitors were able to stroll along the streets in downtown …
It’s All About Alice
San Francisco’s famed restaurant Chez Panisse, the cradle of the locavore movement, is turning 40 this week—and what better time to honor its singular founder, Alice Waters? The indefatigable 67-year-old has dedicated her life to changing the way we eat, leading a “delicious revolution” to chuck frozen and processed foods in favor of local, market-fresh …
California Adventure: Hotel Bardessono
Recently, a dear friend recommended that I visit Bardessono the next time I wanted to experience a quick get away. The Bardessono is a newly developed hotel with 62 guest rooms, restaurant and spa in Yountville, California, the heart of the Napa Valley. Bardessono is a model for elevating contemporary environmental design with a sense …
Ms. Kelly’s Neighborhood: Cafe Rolle
Ever have a place in your own neighborhood that you continually drive-by but never stop in? Whether it is inconvenient at the time or the open hours don’t match yours, it just doesn’t seem to work out. This has been the case with me and Cafe Rolle, until recently. In August 2002, Chef William Rolle …
Pearson Publishing Project After Hours: Salt House
I have heard a lot about the Salt House restaurant, so I wanted to try it while back in San Francisco. When we walked in the door I instantly liked their simple style and unique use of interior items. Round card racks served as light fixtures and hang tags were used for business cards. So …
Weekend Soiree: Plan a Potluck
A potluck is the antithesis of fancy. Instead of a virtuoso performance by a kitchen goddess, it requires a communal effort by a group of friends. If the people you know like to cook, such a party is a great way to share the effort—the shopping, chopping, and pot scrubbing. When planning a potluck, your …
My NY: Balthazar and Other Fabulous Haunts
Every time I visit New York City, I have to treat myself to some of the culinary magic created by Keith McNally. One of my favorites for any meal or just a double espresso, Balthazar serves traditional bistro meals from breakfast through late-night supper. Opened by McNally in the spring of 1997, Balthazar offers a …
New Taste, New Treasure
Frommer’s Kaua‘i Guide calls Casablanca Restaurant in Poipu “Casual…Elegant… Creative…probably the best dinner you will eat on Kaua‘i…”. I must say, I agree. Each March for the past ten years, my family has visited our favorite restaurants on the island of Kaua’i. This trip we discovered a new favorite that has been right around the …
Simple Entertaining
Entertaining doesn’t have to be complicated—preparing for it can be quick and fun for both guest and host. Start by sending out an invitation. I say ditch the email or text message invite. Get a little more personal and send out postcards. They are unexpected, don’t have to be formally printed and cost less to …
Food Surely is Love
Food can relate us to a memory. Creating it with others is a kind of “communion of the stove”. Passing on the recipes and the sacred place of the kitchen to family members is one of the most significant terms of endearment we can offer. Diana Vreeland said it best when she expressed, “People who …
