VIP Access

Jul
05

Who’s Your Mamma?

Posted on by
2

Jo, Osteria “Mamma” & Filippo

I don’t care where you come from, what you look like, and what your nationality is.  The comment that’s rounding the bend applies to all, and I am confident I speak for all when I say: everyone loves a home-cooked meal!

What’s the next opinion that applies to all?  Everyone needs “someone” to cook them a “home-cooked” meal!  There’s something that chemically happens to us when we are in a fun-loving environment and with laughter, cheer, and some spirits—not the kind that say boo, but the kind that takes the edge off even the most tightly wound type A personalities (that would be me)!

Have you any idea where I’m leading you to?  If you’re thinking it’s about food, someone’s Mamma, and a home-cooked meal?  You are right on all accounts.  I recently spent time at what I would consider someone’s “home.”  This lovely lady probably spends more time there than anywhere else and has dug the trenches and dedicated endless amounts of sweat, effort, and safe to say, tears along the way.  You just feel it when you walk through the door, and what a feeling you do get when you enter.

I was lucky to score an invite to an Italian restaurant in Los Angeles.  Now, I was not just sitting and eating at this wonderful place.  I was fully engaged, head—on with sprits in hand, apron tied to every body part, cooking with a fabulous group of strangers, the Queen of this establishment, and her “huntsmen.”

The evening started with wine and introductory conversation.  Then we proceeded to pick out of a hat (bowl) the item we would be preparing.  Of course, the New York came out in me and when I blindly picked salad, I loudly exclaimed that I was NOT preparing this and I wanted something else!  No, I’m not an entitled princess, but I am Italian and could make salad in my sleep.  I wanted (demanded) something more challenging because I knew my Mamma was watching from above and would not approve.  I find it interesting that I still want to please my Mom even though she is physically not here with me.  My final choice was gnocchi and I was very pleased!  I love gnocchi and knew I needed to get my hands dirty in order to have fun (it must be the tomboy in me)!

The class was set up in pit crews.  There were the salad slaves, the pizza preps, the gnocchi goddesses (hi, MJ), and the pasta pals.  The first crew was up, and the rest of us sat at an intimate table and awakened our taste buds to zesty marinara and warm, soft bread.  While we waited for the salad slaves, I found my way to the prep tables where Mamma was hanging and watching over (with her Italian eye).  It reminded me of when I was a kid, and I would sit quietly watching the “elders” preparing and chatting away.  I find it amazing regardless of the time that passes by; give me the “right” kind of environment, and my heart finds its way back.  It was there that night and I couldn’t be any happier.

The beautiful MJ from Say Media!

As we enjoyed our salad, the pizza preps were preparing the…pizza; I found the mood in the room to be warm and funny amongst all these strangers.  We started enjoying our pizza and before I knew it the goddesses were called to duty – I was psyched!  I was going to make my old and new Mamma proud.  We gathered around the experts and soaked in the knowledge they shared with us.  As always with Italian food, tons of ingredients are not needed to bring out the best.  Less is not more – but perfect.

As I reflect back on the gnocchi, my mind kicks into slow motion and the atmosphere comes to life.  I remember the paint on the walls, the enchanting pictures hanging throughout the room, the laughter (loud but somewhat warm and numbing) – all the little fine details that bring moments to life.  Like a sponge, I absorb those moments, store them away, and when needed, close my eyes and I’m back in the room standing next to Mamma.

We congregated and dove into the gnocchi and it was delish.  As I glanced around the dinner table, I was happy to see smiling contented faces.  I had great partners (I mean goddesses) and was proud of my group and the gnocchi we prepared.

The “pasta pals” were up and before I could observe another great moment in the making, Mamma herself came up to me and said, “pasta!”  She motioned for me to come over and observe/help and there was no way I was saying no to the Queen Mamma.  I left my gnocchi and ran up to the prep tables where I melted into the wall and watched as Mamma lovingly shared her time and expertise with the pasta pals.  I couldn’t help but notice that everyone dressed for the occasion and we even wore cute aprons (see pics).  It was an Italian Sunday meal on a Tuesday night filled with once strangers, now friends brought together by a great home-cooked meal.

At the end of the evening Mamma and her crew sat with us and we finished up with Italian desserts (my favorite being Tiramisu – cake, not pudding version).   We broke the language barriers, shared memories, created new ones, and I laughed till my cheeks hurt.

I know these “moments” come and go, but time truly stood still for me.  I walked away with a great feeling that is still with me today and as I reflect back on that magical night, that feeling will be right there for me to indulge in again.

If you are ever in LA head to http://www.osteriamamma.com/ you will be truly satisfied!  Kiss Mamma for me!

Osteria Mamma in action (Jo’s thinking…you go Mamma)!

Salute!

xo, jo

Jun
13

Metro Man?

Posted on by
Reply

With Father’s day right around the corner, I can’t help but wonder, what will they ask for this year? Will it be a 50” flat screen TV, a Weber grill, a man cave, or: lipo, nose job and Botox!

Times have changed, and according to the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, men had approximately 800,000 cosmetic procedures last year, both minimally invasive and surgical. In the past 15 years, there has been 121% increase and the numbers won’t stop there, thank you to Men’s Health, GQ, Esquire, FHM, Maxim and so on. Leave those magazines lying around the house, ogle at them a bit, and see what happens.

So, you must be wondering, what are they getting done? Women all over the world have asked men to “step it up a notch” and they answered our prayers. However, that puts us back in the driver’s seat – more work for us!

Here’s the rundown on their Christmas list:

Top Ten Procedures: <

1. Facelift—14% Increase
2. Ear Surgery (Otoplasty)—11% Increase
3. Soft Tissue Fillers—10% Increase
4. Botulinum Toxin Type A—9% Increase
5. Liposuction—7% Increase
6. Breast Reduction in Men—6% Increase
7. Eyelid Surgery—4% Increase
8. Dermabrasion—4% Increase
9. Laser Hair Removal—4% Increase
10. Laser Treatment of Leg Veins—4% Increase

I can remember my Dad always “taking care” of himself. He worked out five times a week, dressed nicely, made sure he was groomed, and took an hour to get ready (including a shower). I was always proud to be in my father’s presence. He was a good looking man and very charismatic. He took the time like women do and I know my Mom appreciated that.

Should we feel uncomfortable asking our men to step it up? Apparently not! Look at the numbers above. Ask and you shall receive, or if at first you don’t succeed, try again? Nah, take the cookie from the baby until you get what you want. Men might be physically stronger, but we have what they want!

I’m personally glad they are feeling a bit of our “pain.” We have endured the Barbie Doll syndrome for many, many years and we need more Dove commercials out there to help us along.

Find that happy medium. We want our men to take care of themselves; however, we don’t want them to pull a triple crown on us!

Happy Father’s Day to all you “Metro Dads” out there!

xo, jo

Jo&Dad “Old Generation Metro Man”

May
07

AKA – An American Bistro

Posted on by
3

Robert Simon(Owner)&Jo

On a beautiful Saturday afternoon, the LushCake team descended on Old Town Pasadena in California. Some of the team members have been there before, and some have just heard about this beautiful town; I was the latter.

Our mission…meet the owner of AKA Bistro, Robert Simon. We were there to sample the food, meet Walter his chef, talk to the customers, and see how the staff interacted with their “bread & butter.”

The AKA Bistro is back in an alleyway (not the kind you’re thinking of) behind the hustle and bustle of the street and the store traffic. I would call it a “hidden treasure.” The courtyard has a beautiful brick walkway and you can feel the California sun welcoming you as you approach the entrance of the restaurant.

I love the big wooden doors and the large windows, and as you grab the handle anticipating a great experience, you just know you are going to be satisfied with your decision. If you decide to dine outside there is a spacious patio area overlooking the courtyard. The patio was designed so you could relax in the beautiful surroundings and feel the warmth of the sun while indulging in satisfying cuisine.

As you enter the restaurant through the magnificent doors, you can’t help but notice the enormous “king chairs” on the left calling your name and the eclectic bar right in front of you; either decision would be a good one.

Our particular party was escorted to what I would call a private family dining room with huge windows overlooking the patio and courtyard. I imagined my family settling in there for a wonderful meal and could easily see a girlfriend lunch, or “man cave” for some good eats! The interior of the restaurant screams warmth, clean, classic design. The wine is enclosed in glass (which is very cool), and the ceiling reminds me of a warehouse that has been painted with contemporary lights hanging from them! I found myself getting lost in the ambience and knew Robert was onto something.

As I settled in anxiously waiting to satisfy my cravings, a lovely server named Mariah (not Carey) greeted us. She was prepared for my team and was very helpful and knowledgeable of the menu items. We ordered Crispy Portobello Fries, Fresh Herbed Goat Cheese Salad, Pan Roasted Mary’s Chicken and the Pan Seared Scottish Salmon. I ordered a glass of Riesling and sat back with a huge smile…

The first item to hit the table was the Portobello Fries. I had heard about them, and after the first bite, I did not want to share!  They were beyond delish! They literally melt in your mouth, and the taste of the succulent shrooms sent me to heaven (round trip I was coming back for more)! That will always be a staple for me, and I recommend (if you visit this restaurant—which you should), not leaving without ordering them! Forget Prozac, this heals all!

The next item I tasted was the Goat Cheese Salad. I love salad with apples, cranberries, and walnuts (it reminds me of Vermont). The salad was light, crisp, delicious, and the goat cheese was encased in a crisp, lip smacking ball (which when cut open it mixed in the salad like a lost, but well liked friend), welcome home!

Jo&Walter(Chef)

The next contestant was: Mary’s Roasted Chicken (not sure who Mary is, I have to ask Walter, but I think she made him very happy)! I have to admit, I bullied my team and became aggressive with the brussel sprouts (the first time in my life I ever enjoyed brussels—sorry, Mom). The chicken was stuffed with: brie, shallots, spinach, and sat upon a soft creamy sea of mashed potatoes with the sprouts on the side. This particular dish has me dreaming of my next visit! It was like, “Mom, I’m home, what’s for dinner?” I’m shaking my head just thinking of how good it tasted, unreal! Sometimes, simple = superb!

The Scottish Salmon got the best of me. It was lightly dusted with arousing spices and sat upon a jam and pearl pasta. I loved the softness of the pasta and the moist salmon with the jam marrying both of them! It was a Frank Sinatra marriage, and I couldn’t be any happier!

As my team gobbled up the amazing food, I sat back and replayed my time in the kitchen with Walter. He’s a “Philly Boy”, which I affectionately named him. He welcomed me in his home and was a sweetheart while preparing his works of art. We reminisced of the East Coast (not missing the weather) and laughed at our accents (which I pray never leave us)! He’s a great guy with a simple and poetic approach to satisfying his customers. He’s a guy that really cares about and comprehends the quality of that and I felt blessed to have met him! I’m going to shake him down for the brussel sprout recipe!

As I waited for my cappuccino, I wandered around the restaurant and observed the customers enjoying and indulging, very happy in the moment. It made me happy to know that once again food brings people together and makes another memory for our bank. I asked several customers how they liked their selections and I was not surprised to hear nothing but great comments. They loved the menu items, the taste of the food, the warmth of the interior and smiled when they spoke of the staff. Hmmm…..I thought, homerun!

I returned for my cappuccino and enjoyed my last moments there. I was a happy, satisfied customer and this New Yorker pulled no punches. If you want the truth, be prepared—I was not and will never be an “easy sell.”

Cheers!
xo, jo
**All photography by the original, CrazyDave**