Now through October 14, Il Fornaio explores the Tuscan region of Italy with a flavorful Festa Regionale menu featuring the dishes of this most famous region recognized for its wine as well as its cuisine. Chef-Partner Vicente Mendoza, who pursues his passion for authentic Italian cooking at Il Forniao's Manhattan Beach restaurant, created this special menu based on his tour of Toscana with Executive Chef…

San Francisco -- OpenTable announced the 2012 Diners' Choice Award winners for the Top 100 Scenic View Restaurants in the United States.  The poll honored five San Diego dining favorites including The Marine Room, Bali Hai Restaurant, Bertand at Mister A's, Il Fornaio – Coronado, and Island Prime. These awards reflect the combined opinions of more than 5 million reviews submitted by verified OpenTable diners for more than 15,000 restaurants in all 50 states and the District…

Every evening, when I descend the gently curving Coronado Bay Bridge I take in the incredible beauty of the resort town I call home. Everything about it is perfect: the glorious Hotel Del Coronado, pristine beaches, gourmet picnics at summer concerts in the park and early morning walks with our two Newfoundland dogs.  These are just a handful of the reasons why John and I savor life in Coronado.  When we decide to dine casually, we rarely venture back over the bridge.  At least one night…

It seems I've neglected the blog, and my kitchen, this past week. French Fridays with Dorie is already here again, and I haven't published a post since last week's French Fridays. I happily blame it in part on this attention-sponge, who eats three times a day and is already up to 43 pounds at just 12 weeks. We can't walk into the kitchen without him bouncing up, perking his ears, cocking his head, and…

I'm continually singing praises of Il Fornaio, and here I go again.  This month's Festa Regionale Menu, featuring the food and wine of Lazio, was created by Giuseppe Naccarelli, Vice President of Kitchen Operations.

We missed the Tuesday Night Tasting last month (Lombardia) due to travel, so I was delighted when our monthly invitation arrived for this tasting. Mom filled in as my date this week while John attends an annual convention in Florida.

We…

Earlier this week, Navy culinary specialists competed in the Fifth Annual Navy Region Southwest Culinary Competition, in the impressive, state of the art galley at Naval Amphibious Base, Coronado. The galley reopened in December 2010, after nearly $9 million in renovations, and is one of the largest the Navy has to offer. It supports a staff of 30 Navy culinary specialists, and close to 30 civilian contractors, who prepare 2,400 to 3,000 meals a day for naval special warfare,…

Within moments of arriving at The Home Ranch, Colorado, you’ll begin to realize why guests return year after year. You may even run into Anne, who will likely be into double digit visits. This was my second visit, John's first, and our third Relais & Châteaux ranch vacation together. This is the way we love to play.

I traveled to the Home…

After scrolling through my humble contribution to the food blogging world during the past year, over 100 posts, I can honestly say, "I've come a long way, baby!" My passion for food, cooking, entertaining, writing, travel, and photography continues to grow, and this past year has been quite a journey.  In no particular order, this post recaps some of the most memorable moments of our 2011, in food and life.

At the beginning of the year, I joined French Fridays with Dorie, and…

Sweetie-Pie, Pie of Pies, Newfie-Pie, Noodle-Pie, Pieder-dog and Pie-Dog are just a few of the terms of endearment Dooley has acquired in his almost-13 years.…

Rancho La Puerta, voted World's Best Destination Spa by the readers of Travel & Leisure magazine, is an extraordinary place. The 3,000-acre property in Tecate, Baja California, Mexico, features an amazing program of fitness activities, healthful cuisine, luxury spa amenities, superb accommodations in private casitas, lush landscaped gardens and secluded sanctuaries, an organic farm, internationally…