Connecting Readers with the 4 'F' s.

An insiders guide to the buzz involving Food, Fashion, Furnishings and Fun!

Friday, September 30, 2011

DuWop: Lip Venom

Today's blog post features DuWop's Lip Venom.  Lip Venom is a spicy blend of essential oils including cinnamon and ginger which gives one a full lip without having to be surgically augmented.

Lip Venom can be purchased at Sephora stores.  Here's a link to find out more: 
DuWop: Lip Venom

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Siyade's Salad

My coworker Siyade prepares the best in show salads!  Today she showed up with this beauty!  Of course, I had to find out the recipe and share it with Julie's Journeys blog readers. 

Siyade's Salad

Siyade's Salad

Ingredients:
1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and 1/2-inch diced
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup small diced red onion
2 tablespoons minced jalapeno peppers, seeded (2 peppers)
1/3 cup of cranraisins
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated lime zest
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (2 limes)
1/4 cup good olive oil
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
Fresh basil leaves
2 ripe Hass avocados, seeded, peeled, and 1/2-inch diced
1 (15-ounce) can of Garbanzo Beans (Chick Peas)

Preparation:
Place the tomatoes, yellow pepper, chick peas, black beans, red onion, jalapeno peppers, cranraisins and lime zest in a large bowl. Whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic, and cayenne pepper and pour over the vegetables. Toss well.  Just before you're ready to serve the salad, fold the avocados into the salad. Add basil leaves, check the seasoning and serve at room temperature.

Siyade also mentioned that she likes adding a couple of grape leaves into the mix too. Preparing salads like Siyade's, you'll be eating well!

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Daytona Beach, Florida: Vince Carter's Restaurant

When you think about Daytona Beach, you might immediately conjure thoughts about the annual Daytona 500 car races or motorcycles and Bike Week.  

Vince Carter's Restaurant, Daytona Beach, Florida
Did you know that the NBA can also be traced back to Daytona Beach by Phoenix Sun basketball guard, Vince Carter?  On my last trip to Florida, my family suggested that we eat at Vince Carter's restaurant on 2150 LPGA Blvd (at I-95) in Daytona Beach, Florida.

The restaurant staff was helpful and attentive.  Vince Carter's ambiance was also sophisticated yet casual.

Dining Room at Vince Carter's Restaurant

Vince Carter's, Daytona Beach, Florida
We took a moment to look at the menu.

Sample Menu at Vince Carter's
 Our party ordered salads and soup.  The house dressing was excellent.

Black Bean Soup, Vince Carter's Restaurant
 Then onto the main entrees.  We ordered fish, Beef Stroganoff, and filet mignon.


Fish served at Vince Carter's Restaurant

Beef Stroganoff, Vince Carter's, Daytona Beach

Vince Carter's Filet Mignon
I ate the fllet and thought it tasted flavorful and the filet's texture was tender.  

Finally I wanted to mention that besides formal dining rooms, Vince Carter's also had a large sport bar with walls of televisions for the sports aficionados.

When in Daytona Beach and looking for a place to eat, head to Vince Carter's Restaurant.


For More Information:
Vince Carter's Restaurant
2150 LPGA BLVD. (at I-95)
Daytona Beach, Florida 32117
Vince Carter's Restaurant


Monday, September 26, 2011

San Gimignano, Italy: Decorative Ceramic Tile

The medieval town of San Gimignano is a popular tourist spot.  This small walled town can be found in the province of Siena in the area of Tuscany. UNESCO has also declared San Gimignano as a World Heritage Site.  


San Gimignano is also known as having many towers and churches.   This town also has great ceramic shops.
Ceramic Tile from San Gimignano, Italy
I picked up this sunflower tile on Via San Giovanni. Sunflower fields are plentiful in Tuscany. I wanted a reminder of those particular fields so I selected this artistic tile. It serves as a great home furnishing that can either be hung on the wall or could be placed on a kitchen counter with a mini easel.
Tile found on Via San Giovanni, San Gimignano, Italy
When in Italy, definitely consider planning a visit to see medieval San Gimignano's ceramic shops, towers, and restaurants.


I discovered this great website that provides detailed information about this medieval Italian city:
San Gimignano











Sunday, September 25, 2011

Nubian Heritage: Honey & Black Seed Lotion

Nubian Heritage's Honey & Black Seed Lotion
During my last trip to NY City, I was made aware of Nubian Heritage skin and soap lines.  I tried the Honey & Black Seed Lotion and really like the way my skin reacted to the lotion.


The lotions and soaps are made with great ingredients.  Nubian Heritage products are very affordable and can be purchased at Vitamin Shoppes, Whole Foods Markets and Wegman's.


Questions regarding Nubian Heritage products can be answered from Monday through Friday 9am to 5pm at 1- 631- 842-8800. 


For More Information: Nubian Heritage

Saturday, September 24, 2011

Alexandria, Virginia: Alexandria Cupcake

Alexandria Cupcake, Alexandria, Virginia
For business this past week,  I fortunate to be able to stay in the Old Town section of Alexandria, Virginia.  King Street has a plethora of clothing boutiques, restaurants and furniture stores. 


One of the evenings after dinner, I was able to explore the quaint shops of Old Town and that's when I stumbled upon Alexandria Cupcake.  The store is located on 1022 King Street.


I LOVE CUPCAKES!  I especially like to savor the delectable icing!  


I was in luck, Alexandria Cupcake has a Happy Hour where patrons are able to get a dollar off their cupcake between the hours of 4:30 pm till close.
Special Cup Cake Happy Hour at Alexandria Cupcake
Now the difficult decision, which cupcake to buy?  So many choices!  In the meantime I noticed a neat seating area for customers who want to eat their cupcakes at Alexandria Cupcake's shop.


Cupcake Menu, Alexandria Cupcake
Seating area inside Alexandria Cupcake, Alexandria
I enjoy the taste of coconut.  My eyes immediately went for these beauties.


Coconut Cupcakes, Alexandria Cupcake
I also like fruit flavors too.  Should I buy some strawberry cupcakes?


Strawberry Cupcake, Alexandria Cupcakes
Then, what about picking up a couple of red velvets?


Red Velvet Cupcakes, Alexandria Cupcake


Choices, Choices, and More Choices, Alexandria Cupcake
In the end I opted for the coconut and strawberry cupcakes!  I brought these tasty morsels back to my hotel room, I ate them with french pressed coffee. YUM!


Want to know more about Alexandria Cupcake?  Alexandria Cupcake Website




Alexandria Cupcake
1022 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
703-299-9099
alexandriacupcake@gmail.com





Saturday, September 17, 2011

Hampden, Baltimore: Alchemy, Modern American Eatery

In order to promote the restaurant industry, the city of Baltimore holds Restaurant Week twice a year, allows patrons to enjoy 3-course, $20.11 lunches and $35.11 dinners at variety of restaurants in the city limits. During the month of August, my coworker Anne had lunch at Alchemy located on 1011 W. 36th street in the heart of the neighborhood of Hampden.

Alchemy, Modern American Eatery, Baltimore, Maryland
For as little as $20 we ordered a three course lunch at in a place with great ambiance. There was a large white cushion that runs almost the whole length of the entire first floor dining area.

Alchemy, First Floor Seating, Baltimore
Anne and I ordered from Joe, our server, an appetizer, entree and dessert listed on the Restaurant Week Menu.  I ordered Crisp Flatbread with roasted baby eggplant, hummus and Manchego cheese and Anne selected the creamy Crab Bisque. Crab Bisque was made with seafood fumet, whipped cream, fresh thyme, colossal lump, and Manzanilla sherry.

Crisp Flatbread with Eggplant and Manchego Cheese, Alchemy, Baltimore

Crab Bisque, Alchemy, Baltimore
We both ordered the Angel Fire Chicken made with ancho marinade, roasted corn and avocado spread, vine ripe tomatoes, petite greens, basil crip, and toasted ciabatta. The entree was accompanied with a heaping amount of potato chips.

Second Course, Angel Fire Chicken, Alchemy
For our third course, I selected a fruit sorbet and Anne ordered the lovely mixed berry shortbread cake.

Sorbet, Alchemy, Hampden, Baltimore
Mixed Berry Shortcake, Alchemy, Baltimore
Lastly, I wanted to mention that Joe, our server, allowed us to tour the second floor of Alchemy. Alchemy's upstairs has a modern designed bar situated next to elegantly set clothed tables.

Alchemy Upstairs Bar, Baltimore
Upper Level Dining Room at Alchemy, Baltimore
Want more information? Go to: Alchemy, Modern American Eatery
Restaurant Week Menu for Alchemy: Alchemy's Restaurant Week Menu August 2011
Sign up for updates for Baltimore's next Restaurant Week, January 20th - January 29th, 2012: Baltimore's Restaurant Week

Alchemy
1011 W. 36th St.
Hampden - on the Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21212
Phone: (410) 366-1163

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

New York, Queens: US Open 2011

I was first introduced to the game of tennis during my elementary school years.  Tennis was played with wood rackets and Billy Jean was King. For years, I have watched tennis matches played professionally on television.  This year I had the fortunate opportunity to see the Grand Daddy of all tennis tournaments, The U.S. Open.

US Open 2011, New York

Water Feature at US Open
Front Entrance at US Open, New York
 My fabulous friend Jess was able to secure tickets tor this past weekend's matches.  Due to rain delays our seats for Saturday were exchanged for Sunday.  Embarking upon our trip we caught a subway from the World Trade Center and made our way out to the neighborhood of Flushing Meadows, Queens.

US Open Souvenir Shop next to Arthur Ashe Stadium
Before we sat down to see the match between Serena Williams and Samantha Stosur, Jess and I looked US Open gear and found something to eat and drink in the food court.

Food Court, US Open, New York
We also were given some nice giveaways by US Open sponsors.  
Each spectator was given one of these green hats from Heineken.  

US Open Giveaway from Heineken

 Jess took this picture of the official signature drink called the 
Honey Deuce!

Grey Goose Honey Deuce, Signature Cocktail of the 2011 US Open
Tennis Courts, US Open
I took this picture of the courts next to the Arthur Ashe Stadium on our way into the stadium.  Queen Latifa sung the National Anthem while United States Marine Corp held the American flag.

National Anthem at US Open Women's Finals, New York
We quickly found our seats and began to watch the final Women's match between Serena and Samantha. While watching the match, occasionally a celebrity was featured on the large stadium screen.  
I was able to find Bradley Cooper seated in the stadium.  My friend Jess took this picture.
Ron Rifkin and Bradley Cooper at US Open 2011
Stosur being from Australia, we occasionally heard an "Aussie, Aussie, Aussie" being yelled out from the crowd.  Recovering from an injury, Serena Williams put up a good fight, but Samantha Stosur was on top of her game and won the Championship. 

Serena Williams, 2011 US Open

US Open Women's Finals Ceremony 

Serena Williams, US Open 2011
US Open Women's Champion, Samantha Stosur

Serena Williams and Samantha Stosur, US Open 2011

I would highly recommend going to the US Open.  Getting to see tennis live and in person adds another dimension to the sport. Want to know more about the US Open go to US Open.

Want to make your own Honey Deuce?  Here are the directions:
Honey Deuce, Signature Cocktail of the 2011 US Open

Honey Deuce, US Open 2011 Signature Cocktail
 Ingredients
1 1/4 Parts of Grey Goose Vodka
1/2 Part Premium Raspberry Liqueur
Lemonade
3 Frozen Honeydew Melon Balls


Fill a chilled Collins glass with ice and add Grey Goose vodka. Fill with lemonade just below the rim. Float premium raspberry liqueur.  Present with honeydew melon balls on a cocktail pick.




Thursday, September 8, 2011

Baltimore, Maryland: Aloha Sushi

A couple of my coworkers clued me into this great sushi place on
1218 North Charles Street in the neighborhood of Mount Vernon, Baltimore.  It's called Aloha Sushi!
Aloha Sushi, Baltimore, Maryland
 From the front window and main entrance, Aloha Sushi was very unassuming.

Front Entrance at Aloha Sushi, Baltimore
Our party of three was seated quickly and handed the Aloha Sushi lunch menu.  We quickly picked soups, salads and of course sushi.

Miso Soup, Aloha Sushi, Baltimore
Variety of Sushi, Aloha Sushi, Baltimore
Besides Sushi, we all enjoyed listening to the restaurant's background music.  Songs that were played spanned the decades of the 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s.  Nostalgic memories instantly flooded my memory while enjoying my delicious lunch.

Interested in eating Lunch at Aloha Sushi?

1218 North Charles Street
Baltimore, MD 21201 
(443) 759-8531