Category: Food and Drink

After a few days of long meetings, the ladies of Here Comes The Guide refueled and toasted a job well done with a delectable dinner at Cantinetta Luca, a sister venue of L’Auberge Carmel. The bistro is designed around the concept that Italian dining is a celebration of sharing, simplicity and family—and as a company that considers each other family, we warmed to this notion immediately.

We never cease to be amazed at the innovation in modern food trends. The latest example comes from event planner Sabrina Di Nardo in fashion-forward Montreal: dessert sushi. Just divvy up sweet treats maki-style, put together a pretty-and-zen presentation, and you’ve got an eye-catching meal finisher. Think bite-sized brownies topped with a bold berry or slice of Mandarin orange. Or pump up the whimsy factor and serve our favorite, Gummy Fish Sushi. Hold the soy sauce, please!

Did you know that before the 1880s, a couple was required by law to have a morning wedding ceremony? During Victorian times, the U.S. followed English custom with ceremonies between 10am and noon considered most fashionable.

If you wouldn’t be caught dead wearing something from last season, why would you serve food that was as just as passé as those Ugg boots gathering dust in your closet? As Californians, our desire to stay in vogue is not limited to our wardrobe. Since we come from a state with an abundance of wine, cheese, organic produce and other goodies, we also tend to keep up with the “in” foods—while watching our fashionable figures, of course!

As a Californian, I’ve learned there are three things that can easily make an evening go from average to fantastic, and they are: Breathtaking sunsets, stunning ocean views, and, of course, good food. Lucky for all you California brides out there, the grand opening of Colette’s Catering has included all of these elements for their grand opening of Colette’s Oceana in Newport Beach September 23rd. Formerly known as the Pacific Coast Yacht Club, Colette’s Oceana has been completely modernized to let the natural beauty of this locale shine through.

When I was planning my sister’s bridal shower, I knew I wanted to make centerpieces that were more fun and unique than the obvious vases of flowers. My inspiration came when I went to pick up the dessert I had ordered for the shower. While I was at the shop, it dawned on me that those 3 dozen delicious cupcakes from Icing on the Cupcake in Rocklin would make whimsical centerpieces for the party. This was also a budget-friendly idea, since my dessert was going to double as décor!

Napa and Sonoma may have made California wine famous way back when, but there are world-class wineries up and down this state’s varied valleys.

Spas are a great way for couples to de-stress during the pre-wedding planning stage, but it might be hard to convince your oh-so manly man to get into a fuzzy white robe and slippers. If you’re looking for a fun activity to take your mind off the wedding prep just for one night (and who wouldn’t need a night off?), how about spending an evening learning to mix the perfect margarita or tequila sunrise? If that sounds good to you, grab your intended and head to The Sky Room in Long Beach August 30 for a Mixology class.