Category Archives: Festivals & Events

Foodbuzz 24 24: Summer Soba Picking Party

summer soba picking party 2
Dear Food Diary:

For this month’s Foodbuzz  24 24 I was selected to make my Summer Soba Picking Party idea into a yummy reality. I’ve always loved soba, these buckwheat noodles are satisfying but lighter than egg noodles, better for you, versatile and perfect served cold.

Sneak “Taste” at McDonald’s: New Summer Items and Chic New Decor

mcdonals 3
Dear Food Diary:
The PR folks at Mickey D’s invited me to a sneak peek of their new Summer menu items. I wasn’t expecting anything different from the 47th st and 6th av location, I’ve pass by many times without giving it a second thought. After finding my name on the guest list, I headed upstairs (which was closed for the event) and stepped into a Twilight Zone moment. What? Where am I? This is McDonald’s? Chic, modern, colorful and inviting, it looked like a nice cafe, in this case, the Mc Cafe concept. There were manicures and massages while Angus Snack Wraps and Fruit Smoothies were passed around. The menu items will be available soon, but the pampering was only 
for the event, sorry ladies! But hey, Smoothies at McD’s! Awesome.

David Burke & The Riesling Collection Beverage Series Dinner

Dear Food Diary:
A while back, I attended the David Burke Leblon Cachaca Beverage Series Dinner for the first time. It was a memorable night that consisted of eating, drinking and being extra merry. I wanted a repeat and made sure we’d be there for the next event. And we did.

Yuan Xiao (Chinese Lantern Festival) & Tang Yuan (Glutinous Balls in Soup)

Dear Food Diary:
On the 15th day of Chinese New Year we celebrate Yuan Xiao. In the old days, as children entertained themselves with paper lanterns of all shapes and forms, grown ups would solve riddles and puzzles, while others worked in the kitchen, preparing the glutinous rice flour to make Tang Yuan (glutinous ball in soup), meticulously filling each and everyone of these white balls.
As a chubby toddler, I looked forward to playing with Rabbit Lanterns every year. Some traditions have been lost over the years, kids don’t put down their video games for these old school kind of fun, it’s truly a shame. Bright colorful lanterns can only be seen in busy shopping areas now a days, at least in Shanghai. Thankfully the eating part has been some what conserved in each family, though most likely store bought rather than made from scratch.

Baohaus Style Chinese New Year Dinner

Dear Food Diary:
It’s not very festive to dine alone on Chinese New Year’s Eve (Feb 13th), so I gathered my so called “orphan” friends for a special home cooked meal at Baohaus.