Because giving is more fun than to receive... (CLOSED)

December 13, 2011 by Monica in Events, Giveaway

Remember how snobbish I am about my morning café con leche?

Remember when I got invited by Nescafe Dolce Gusto to try their product?

Even after trying their product during the dinner and being more then impressed by the machine demo, I still did not have much hope for the Piccolo they graciously gave us.

I figured this is one of those things that totally work in the demo, but once you get it home, it’s not going to be the same.

Folks… I have to take it all back.

I LOVE MY NESCAFE PICCOLO!

Almond Orange Ginger Cookies - The Great Food Blogger Cookie Swap

December 12, 2011 by Monica in Baking, Cookies, Events, Holiday, Sweets

I’m not a cookie person.

I’m picky with the types of cookies that I do like. I tend to like the classic cookie. Give me a good chocolate chip (with nuts), or a good peanut butter one will do the trick too. Shortbread cookies tend to make the cut, but only if they are nice and buttery.

Tom on the other hand likes all types of cookies. I call him the adventurous cookie man because he will try them all.

So when Christmas rolls around he is a very happy man, because I tend to bake a couple of batches of my go-to cookie recipe and put them in pretty packages to gift to friends and co-workers.

And he gets to eat a few.

Ok, lots, if he is good.

A night out with Natural Delights

December 04, 2011 by Monica in Dinner, Entertaining, Events, Restaurant

A couple of weeks ago, I was contacted by Gina Melton of Zest in order to extend an invitation to a Holiday Party sponsored by Bard Valley Natural Delights and taking place in one of the most popular spots in South Tampa right now, Pane Rustica.

I did not have to be asked twice, I accepted so fast, I think I did not give her a chance to say another word.

My first impression of Pane Rustica was that it was cozy and was bigger than I had imagined. They are known for Contemporary American style cuisine and are very popular with the lunch crowd. At night it elevates its casual lunch atmosphere for fine dining and a great wine selection along with a hopping full bar.

The hosted walked me to a private dining room, where I started to mingle with my fellow bloggers who I have met before and some who I was looking forward to meeting for the first time. Isabel from Family Foodie, Cara and Megan from Healthy Tampa Bay Living, Mr. Jeff Houck from TBO’s The Stew (love this guy!), Tracy from My Other City by the Bay, Elizabeth from Food Nation Radio Network, Nina From Panache Vue magazine, Jim from Gastroblog and Jodi from HashtagFoodPorn.

This was a serious crowd and I was delighted to share a Wednesday night in their company.