An Afternoon at Artesa

After a long weekend attending my first 2 days of EMBA class, my family and I celebrated Sunday afternoon with brunch and a bit of wine tasting at one of my favorite wineries, known for its stunning panoramic views. Artesa sits high in the hilltop of the Carneros region in the Napa Valley and beckons both locals and visitors to experience their unique fusion of architecture, art and wine.

Sitting on their outdoor patio and sipping their Pinot Noir was undeniably one of the most relaxing afternoons I’ve had in awhile.

Sweet and Savory Fried Plantains

Let’s talk about snack foods. I am definitely one of those people who likes to be munching on something tasty a few times a day. I typically like to go the “healthier” route and nom on carrot sticks and hummus but once in a while I crave something fried, something sweet and something salty. That’s where these puppies come into play. I first discovered my love for fried plantains during my backpacking trip to South America and became instantly addicted. There is also the spicy aji salsa, which adds a bit of acid, spice and creaminess to your palate.

Traditionally, fried plantains or {Tostones} are a favorite snack and side dish in Puerto Rico, Cuba and other Latin American countries. Tostones are salted and eaten much like potato chips or French fries but, in my opinion, are so much better. Trust me, you’ll get addicted! 

{For step-by-step cooking instructions check out my video below}

{Pics taken by my bro, Ariel Ceja. Orale!}

Sweet and Savory Fried Plantains dipped in a spicy Aji Salsa

Serves 4 people - Level Easy

Ingredients for fried plantains:

• 3 large ripe plantains
• Oil for frying
• Salt/water mixture
• Salt to taste after frying

Preparation:

Heat the oil to 375 degrees. While the oil is heating up, peel the green plantains and then cut them into 3/4 inch slices. Tip: Put the sliced plantains in a bowl of salt water for 5 minutes. This will make them crisp and golden brown when frying.

Fry the slices in the hot oil for 3 minutes. They should be a golden brown in color, crisp on the edges and semi-soft in the center. Remove the plantain slices with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Set aside.

Ingredients for aji salsa:

• 1/2 head of romaine lettuce
• 3 jalapenos, fire roasted and deseeded
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 3 green onions, coarsely chopped
• 1/2 bunch of cilantro, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves
• Juice from 2 limes
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

Fire roast the 3 jalapeno chiles on a comal or griddle. Then, roughly chop the chiles, lettuce, garlic, cilantro & green onions. Add all of the ingredients in a food processor or blender. Blend for 3-4 minutes on a medium level. Lastly, add salt and pepper to taste. Serve the tostones on a platter and put the aji dipping sauce in a little container.

Tip: Pair the scrumptious appetizer with Ceja wines and enjoy!

Fashion Meets Food

Little Lemon Souffles/Rochas Yellow Sunshine Bag

Happy Friday! Get ready for an entirely nonsensical post combining my love for food and fashion. I am constantly craving and coveting the most delicious recipes and fabulous fashion trends that the world has to offer. You might be thinking, “outfits good enough to eat? Food good enough to… umm… wear?” No matter! Just allow your mouth to water and your inner fashionista to take over and enjoy it for what it is.

Blood Orange, Beet & Fennel Salad/Bright Pink Street Style

Holy GuacamOLE!/Kelly Green Street Style

Grilled Brie, Thyme Honey & Figs/Bohemian Chic Street Style

Nectarine Pizza With Basil & Balsamic/Stripe + Pattern Street Style

Orange Soda Float/Spring Street Style

P.s. This weekend I’ll be in SF for the BlogShop Bootcamp with Bri Emery of designlovefest + photographer Angela Kohler. I’m uber excited & ready for the weekend to begin!

Spring Fashion Trend: Color Blocking

One of the hottest fashion trends this spring is color blocking. Pairing bold, solid color pieces together can make a look glamorous and sophisticated. If you’re adventurous enough to wear more than black and white, you're ready to rock this look! I recommend sticking to three colors max to avoid looking like a hot mess.

A few weekends ago I was browsing at H&M and came across this bright blazer and dress. I was immediately smitten with the color combo and thought this would make a perfect outfit for a night out on the town. I wore this Sunday evening for dinner and drinks and found that it was undeniably comfortable to wear and fashionably chic.

{H&M Blazer & Dress, Seychelles Pumps, Gifted Clutch via Annabella's Boutique, Vintage Jewelry}

Not ready to sport brightly colored pieces in your wardrobe? Incorporate some color blocked accessories into your outfits. They're a great way to add a pop of color without a serious commitment. Shoes, clutches, bracelets and necklaces are all part of this trend and are an affordable way to maximize your look.

P.S. Don't forget to "Like" my Facebook fan page!

I Left My Heart in San Francisco

Youthful, artful, hip, eclectic, cultured, radical, sexy and green – San Francisco is all that & more!

San Francisco is a city with such character and charm it's impossible not to fall head over heels for it as I did back in 2003. I spent a few glorious years during college exploring, living and falling in love with this city. Here are a few of my favorite things, places and advice for people visiting or living in SF {staying away from the tourist traps}:

1. If someone told you they were moving to SF, what advice would you give them? Sell your car and buy a bike and a muni pass {or even a Vespa}. Oh yes, and bring lots of layers to wear.

2. Favorite {casual} places to eat? Burma Superstar{Outer Richmond}, Naan -N- Curry{several locations + BYOB},Pluto’s {Marina/Cow Hollow}, Taqueria Cancun{Mission},Tony’s Pizza Napoletana{North Beach},Nopalito{Lower Haight}.

3. If a tourist had one day to spend in SF, what would you tell them to see? Start off the day by walking around the Castro, Inner Mission, and Dolores Park. In the late afternoon take a cab to Washington Square and walk up Telegraph Hill, {stopping for a gelato and cappuccino}. Then pass through narrow Varennes Street and up to the base of Coit Tower to admire the breezy view of the Bay.

4. Favorite places to shop? Fillmore Street {high end shops with old time beauty}, Haight Street {recycled, vintage clothing stores}, Hayes Valley {chic vintage clothing & local artwork}, Mission St – Valencia & 16th {Funky & eclectic shopping}.

5. What's the best thing about SF? The lack of pretension for such a cosmopolitan city, the bustling yet comfortable activity in the streets, squares and parks and the diverse food scene the city has to offer.

daliacejasanfrancisco

SF Street Style {Marc NY Jacket, Alice + Olivia Shorts, Steve Madden Boots, Banana Republic Hat, Theory Aviators, Melie Bianco Purse}

P.S. There you have it dolls, now go out and explore!