Top 10 Things You Need for the Holidays (For Yourself and As Presents)

 

10. Wine for All
If all else fails, buy wine...to drink and to gift. Cupcake Vineyards is home to my favorite wine of all time: Sauvignon Blanc. A clean mouth feel wine that pairs well with just about anything, but moreso shrimp and other seafoods, this wine hails from Marlborough, New Zealand. I love it so much I asked my mom to buy me a case for Christmas. I sure hope I find this under the tree! This juicy burst of fun in a glass is created from Key limes and Meyer lemons along with hints of grapefruit and gooseberry. And we'll definitely be drinking this on Christmas Eve with our shrimp and other Slovak foodstuffs.
 
 

9. Pamper Yourself!
Now I love bath products, so Mainely Cole's is no exception. This holiday season one must pamper herself! Trying out their line of soaps and scrubs was delightful! And my skin felt so smooth and wonderful! Their Cucumber Toner felt refreshing and did not leave my skin tight, a must in this cold and the harsh dry air. This whole line is organic and free of harsh chemicals. Anyone you buy this for will be soooo happy!

8. ElleLauri Dresses
I can’t say enough about this line. Liz and Laura Rymar are design geniuses. They have created some of the most elegant, fun, made in the US clothes around!! Plus, I'm not a stick, and their clothes fit all sizes and all styles. My personal fave is the Kayleigh Skirt, along with the Celeste Cape. Wear one of these numbers on New Year’s Eve and you’ll have plenty to sparkle about! Check out my video with the lovely designers as we discuss the upcoming holiday season.

 
 
 
7. Family Portraits
No time to get the family together for that holiday card? Make sure you have a Canon camera. I have my eye on the EOS Rebel T3 DSLR camera?  Friends say its ease of use, it's a great camera for amateur photographers, creating sharp photos, and has amazing versatility. get everyone together and say CHEESE!
 
6. Staying Healthy
With all this running around, working, buying and wrapping holiday gifts, trying to find time to work out, attempting to get enough sleep, you must MUST keep yourself healthy. One of my fave sites and Twitter pals is Chelsea Krost. She always has great ideas and health info that you need to stay healthy! Another site that I love for health info and great vitamins and yummy on-the-go bars is the SkinnyGirl brand by Bethanny Frankel.  I always keep a few delicious Banana Oatmeal Dark Chocolate On the Go Bars in my desk and purse for when I need a quick meal. I also love my Jack La Lanne Power Juicer- pop in any fruit or veg and instant juice! So healthy, so yummy! You can drink it straight, or add it to a smoothie. My personal favorite mix is kale, strawberries, apples and a peeled lemon (no pith.) Cleansing and yummy- go RELAX!
 
 

5. Get a Fun Manicure to Get Yourself in the Holiday Spirit
Do something that feels good! Grab Mom, your sister, your best friend or go yourself- get a fun holiday manicure from Avalanche Salon and Spa in Trappe, PA. It looks cheery and makes others smile, and is especially uplifting for you! Or, a massage from In Touch Massage Therapy in Schwenksville, or acupuncture from Gateway Bodyworks in Phoenixville, or a facial from Glow in Phoenixville. Just do something for yourself. Take a breather, because you can't help everyone else if you aren't rested.
 
 

4. SodaStream for Yourself or Others

Several things have changed my life - DVR, the iPhone, and the SodaStream. I do not have to buy diet soda. I have a varied selection to choose from depending on my taste. I don't have to worry about recycling, because I am not buying plastic bottles in the first place. It can be as sweet as I want, or crazy carbonated - or not. And the best part- since I love to entertain- I can make several kinds of drinks and not go out of my way to buy a ton of soda for a party. Plus, the canister is recyclable.

When the CO2 canister is empty, I turn it in to Staples, and save $10 off the $25 new one! Plug it in, set the carbonation level, attach the water bottle securely. Then add your soda flavoring and you are set! The special bottle keeps my soda fresh for weeks, doesn't go flat and retains its flavor. My favorite is the diet grapefruit. There are over 60 flavorings! And, I trust this brand. There are several soda-making type machines out there…don’t do it. Go with SodaStream, for yourself or as a great holiday gift!

 

3. A Good Meal
Staying in on Christmas? Going out? My family is Slovak, so we make Pirohy (Think Mrs. T's Pierogi ), Oblátky (thin Communion-type wafers) with garlic and honey to remind us of the sweet and harsh sides of life, nuts, cooked peas or French beans, dried fruit, mushrooms soup, Bobalky (poppy seed, honey and dough), sauerkraut bread, shrimp and fish. We've occasionally blend a few Italian items in such as lasagna, takeout from Maggiano's Little Italy. We don't eat meat on Christmas Eve, but on Christmas Day we will have a ham and turkey. I'm a fan of making a big Christmas Day breakfast, too. While on vacation, I plan to hit up a few of my favorite local restaurants, including Creole Daddy Mim's and the Melting Pot KoP, and just enjoy a few days off.  

 

2. Clean Up Clean the House, or get someone to do it for you- I'd love a Dyson under the tree for me, but until then, my pal Barb is the BEST for getting your place to sparkle. I love to entertain, so this is just perfect at any time, especially the holidays.

 

 

1. LOVE

And the Number one thing I can’t live without is friends and family around the fire for the holidays...maybe even a kiss under the mistletoe if I am lucky…anyone want to volunteer? ;) And a new job in social media or marketing for 2013!



Merry Christmas and
Happy New Year from
Engchik Eats!!!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

My Top 10 Things You Need for the Holidays (For Yourself and As Presents)

marTini Tuesday: The Knockout from Sullivan's Steakhouse

As we are more embroiled in the holiday season, it surely is the festive time to imbibe a bit more.

 This week we are discussing one of my all-time top favorite 3 martinis- The Knockout from Sullivan’s Steakhouse. There are several locations in the US, but I like to frequent the King of Prussia location.

 

This is Sullivan’s signature martini and it rocks. "The Knockout" is created from Smirnoff Orange Vodka infused with Hawaiian Gold pineapple and with an added orange twist.

One thing I noticed with these- this martini will indeed ‘Knock You Out’ unless you pace yourself. Once I had two of these in a row….whooooo!

 

 

Sullivan’s steeps the pineapple in the vodka, and then adds a bit of real pineapple juice. I quite enjoy the first foamy sip - it is a wonderful blend of the pineapple and a teeny bite of the vodka. It’s sweet but not sugary so, it’s really refreshing.

This is a good drink to try with your steak or your oysters, not overpowering or deemed ‘girlie’ it will please the palate and ‘knockout’ your stress!

 

 

 

marTini Tuesday- the 'RennieTini' at the Circle Tavern, Avalon, NJ

A few weeks ago I headed down to Avalon to check out the island and make sure all is well after Hurricane Sandy swept in. The hurricane definitely caused some damage, but luckily, the town is bouncing back. I had to stop in and get a BLT from one of my favorite establishments that stays open ALL YEAR ROUND! The Seven Mile Island Deli, owned by Josh, a good friend of mine, has the best sandwiches and soups on the island!



Road to Sea Isle washed away, en route to Townsend’s Inlet Bridge

There is currently a lot of construction going on for those that have damaged homes or businesses on 7 mile island.
 

The OMB (Old Moldy Barnacle -dubbed by B) which is currently not liveable due to flood damage.

I also wanted to check on my favorite hotel- the Windrift. This hotel, recently redone and with new renovated sections included a glorious heated pool, hot tub, a restaurant with live music and some of the most gorgeous and comfortable rooms on the island! Luckily, all was well so when I go back in the summer I will be staying over again.

I stayed with my good friend Lor and we headed off to our favorite place for martinis: the Circle Tavern. We love LUV the Princeton (or the P, as the locals call it) on 21st and Dune Drive but in the off-season only the Circle is open. The block is home to the Circle Tavern, the Princeton, and the Rock Room during the summer.

Luckily, one of our favorite bartenders was there, John Rennie. How perfect that he was there on a Tini Tuesday, as were we! He is excellent at making martinis, so when Lor and I strolled in, he knew to whip up his special RennieTini for us ladies. Lor decided to call his dirty martinis RennieTinis over the summer and the name just stuck for us.

The RennieTini is a super dirty martini, consisting of Grey Goose vodka, dry vermouth, and lots of olive juice and extra olives- I like it very, very dirty!

Ice cold dirty martini, the RennieTini, at the Circle, Avalon, NJ

To accompany our drinks that night, we decided on the steamers of the day, with garlic and lemon, and a hint of spices- and just so amazingly good. Seafood at the seashore with some very dirty RennieTinis - yes, please!

The island is still in repair, as all the Jersey shore points (and other places too) are, so if you get a moment, go to your favorite shore place and make it a point to see your beach buddies and visit some of your favorite establishments (if they are open). Every little bit helps to going towards rebuilding. Many people still need help.

People in line for food and supplies after Hurricane Sandy November 2012 Atlantic County

ALSO- Don't miss the 12/12/12 Concert for Sandy relief- an amazing line-up of talented musicans supporting the need to rebuild! Hear from Jersey's own Jon Bon Jovi, and Billy Joel, Eric Clapton, Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band, Eddie Vedder, Roger Water and so many others! It will be televised on many channels on Wednesday December 12.

Peddler's Village, Bucks County, PA: A Weekend of Delights

What fantastic local destination has delicious food, refined restaurants, exciting entertainment, comfortable and classy overnight lodging, and is full of history and elegant touches? Why, Bucks County, of course! After 50 years, this quaint village is a still wonderful treat with free special events and seasonal festivals drawing 2 million visitors a year.

Heart of the Village- ready for an event

As one of the top most sought-after and visited tourist destinations in Pennsylvania, Bucks County is a never-fail retreat from the real world, to relax with wineries, food, family fun and events parks, trails, entertainment- Bucks County has it all! Located 75 miles from New York City and 25 miles from Philadelphia, Bucks County will offer a relaxing and fun adventure, no matter the reason for your visit!

Bucks County is full of gorgeous historic homes

The late Earl Hart Jamison founded Peddler's Village in 1962 on six acres of property at the crossroads of Routes 202, 263 and Street Road in Lahaska, once called Hentown. The property had housed a chicken hatchery, a barn and chicken coops. Earl transformed them into 14 shops and the Cock 'n Bull Restaurant. The buildings are placed amid winding brick pathways and gorgeous award-winning gardens designed by Earl, reflecting his consistent colonial America architectural style.

Peddler's Village

 

Peddler's Village is now one of the premier attractions in Bucks County. The 42-acre site boasts 70 unique specialty shops, six restaurants, the 70-room luxurious Golden Plough Inn, and for the kids: Giggleberry Fair, a family entertainment center featuring an antique operating carousel.

 

Golden Plough Inn, Peddler's Village

 

When we arrived in Peddler’s Village, we noticed its picturesque beauty. We checked in to the Golden Plough Inn, and were delighted with our room: spacious, warm, inviting and two queen-sized canopy beds awaited us. Such plush and comfortable surroundings instantly signaled that this was going to be a relaxing stay.

 

Delaware River, Washington Crossing Historic Park

 

But first, we headed out to Washington Crossing Historic Park to take in some of Bucks’ County’s rich history. At this site, General George Washington and his men of the Continental Army crossed the Delaware River on Christmas night in 1776 on Durham boats. A Nor’easter had approached making the conditions horrible, frigid and dangerous, yet they pressed on. His some 2600-militia marched the 8 miles to Trenton, New Jersey.



Washington Crossing Historic Park

Each year at Christmas more than 100 re-enactors recreate this significant event across the river in boats and uniforms replicated to near-exact historical proportions. The grounds of this park are along the river and are home to several historical buildings. It was truly an amazing feeling to know that history occurred right in the very place we were standing, as that moment was a turning point in the Revolution.

Washington Crossing Historic Park

After walking outside for hours in the park, we were quite chilled so off we went to begin our wine tour to warm up. We started with Crossing Vineyards & Winery in Washington Crossing. Beth and Mary were our hosts, giving us a tour of the picturesque vineyards and the tasting room. Our tasting room gent John poured us delicious wines and I have to say this winery offered some of the most delicious and imaginative wines I have ever tasted. Rich, full-bodied delights such as the Chocolate Cherry Truffle (port-style heavenly dessert wine) and the Sangria (a sweet juicy citrus-filled red wine) were amazing. Here, the impressive tasting room and cute gift shop are open 12-6pm every day.

 

Tastings Time!

 

From there we headed back to Peddler’s Village, stopping in Lambertville for just a moment to get a hot coffee and stop by the Tomasello Winery to get more of their luscious Blackberry wine. I only bought two bottles...what was I thinking?!

 

Crossings Winery

 We sampled some wine at the Chaddsford Winery, where I received a complimentary bottle of wine for staying at the Golden Plough Inn, imprinted with its Peddler’s Village 50^th Anniversary. Their chardonnay is so wonderful I had to pick up a few bottles. Plus, some sangria, as a Christmas present for my mom (shhh, don’t tell) I got her a bottle of sangria from every winery we visited. She will have quite a lot to open on Christmas morning!

Cheers!

 

Back to relax in our gorgeous room, Rach and I each lounged in our impressive queen four-poster beds, reading until it was time for dinner. We stopped in the homey and pretty Buttonwood Grill for a pre-dinner drink, deciding on the hot apple cider. Complete with creamy caramel, buttershots and vanilla vodka, and pleasantly warm, this drink was a great start to our evening.

Hot Apple Cider, Buttonwood Grill

 

We then headed across the street to Earl’s Bucks County. Instantly, this place relaxed me. Warm décor, soft lights, an atmosphere I knew I would enjoy my dinner in. Our server Erhn helped us with our choices and was a superb commentator on the food. He suggested the raw oysters as starters. Rach and I sampled sweet succulent oysters- great season for then right now- from Martha’s Vineyard and Rhode Island.

OYSTERS!

 

All of Earl BC’s food is locally sourced or flown in from just a few hours away. Every single item is fresh and authentic and prepared to the guest’s liking...and believe me, I was liking it a lot! We also enjoyed warm bread with lemon zest ricotta sprinkled liberally with salt and pepper and some crunchy flatbread. I then tried the lobster bisque, which was rich and savory with chunks of lobster in it. Rach tried oysters for the first time, and we liked them so much we ordered a couple more.

Lobster Bisque, Earl's Bucks County

 

Our main dishes arrived. I had the house smoked St. Louis ribs with a cider glaze over smoked Cheddar-scallion mashed potato and horseradish spiked slaw. These ribs were fantastic, meaty, messy, sweet, smoky and satisfying. I’m usually not a big meat eater, but these ribs were amazing. Rach had the grilled 8 oz filet mignon with whipped potato and spinach. The filet was tender and juicy, with hints of wine and butter, and the spinach was fresh and tasty.

Smoked St. Louis Ribs, Earl's Bucks County

 

We then had dessert- apple pie and locally made chocolate and butter pecan ice cream was absolutely fantastic. And then, it was time to retire to our room- with visions of Peddler’s Village dancing in our heads!

Locally made chocolate and butter pecan ice cream, Earl's Bucks County
 

 Sunday’s weather was perfect- warm and sunny- for strolling and shopping. The great thing about Peddler’s Village is that everything is close- dinner, cute and fun clothing shops with shoes, apparel, outerwear, baby clothes, bath and beauty shops, grab a little snack, attend a murder mystery, enjoy a buffet, or coffee, sample local wines, find a place to relax, a place to sleep- all within walking distance. We went back to Earl's for farm-fresh breakfast with sausages, eggs, potatoes and coffee, and commenced wandering around the village.

Breakfast at Earl's BC

 

The village was alive with people all enjoying themselves in one of Bucks’ Counties favorite places. One can see why this village has thrived for 50 years, and will continue thriving. Such a community-oriented, exciting place is home to many local artisans, all who share the love of Bucks County.

Shoppes at Peddler's Village

 We rounded off our visit with a trip to see Santa Claus and his lovely wife on the magical New Hope & Ivyland Railroad for the North Pole Express. An old-fashioned steamer train, this ride evokes scenes of the Golden Age of steam railroading. The train will take you along on the historic route that was filmed in the 1914 movie series Perils of Pauline, all the while singing carols and enjoying a warm beverage and cookies.


Aboard the North Pole Express
 

So for this holiday season, see the lights, attend the festivities, sample the wineries, eat at the restaurants, and do so much more at Peddler’s Village!

Special thanks to Michelle Greco Falcone, Communications Manager of Visit Bucks County and Eve Gelman, PR Manager, Peddler’s Village who strived to made our Bucks’s County visit such an impressive stay! Thank you!

Photographs by Rachel Richards

Plan Your Bucks County getaway at VisitBucksCounty.com. Stay connected to Peddler's Village on Twitter.

 

MarTini Tuesdays- Kickoff!

Hello my foodie friends!

Today I am kicking off a new segment to my blog: MartTini Tuesdays!

I simply adore a great drink, and so, I'll pay homage to my favorite liquor libations- in a martini glass, of course- every Tuesday!

Today is Election Day, so get out and VOTE and then have a drink! And by drink I mean martini.

Let's start with my refreshing pear martini from the Melting Pot in King of Prussia, PA. In addition to kick-ass cheese and chocolate and main-course fondues, this selection of restaurants offers amazing drinks to complement it's cheesy (or chocolaty or savory) goodness.

Pear vodka, fresh squeezed pear juice with a slice of ripened fruit was just so delicious, I couldn't help myself. I only had one, but I sure could have had another. Cold, icy smooth and sweet - but not too- it was a perfect end to a long day.

My friend was more in the mood for something sweet, so she opted for the S'mores Martini. Vodka, toasted marshmallow syrup, chocolate swirls filled the cold glass, while the rim was dusted with graham cracker crust. As the Pièce de résistance, were three skewed Oreo-covered marshmallows placed above the rim. She was pretty darn happy. Who needs the camping, we've got your s'more right here!

Do you have a favorite place for your martinis? Where? Tell me and it could be featured in MarTini Tuesdays!

Sullivan's Steakhouse PINK Menu Review

October isn’t over yet- and if you haven’t done your part to support breast cancer awareness and research, now is the time, and get a good meal as well!

Get yourself to Sullivan's Steakhouse where precise menu has been put to use specifically for breast cancer awareness. Amazing chicken, shrimp, steak with delicious sides and desserts along with the wedge salad are just one of the ways that you can deliciously help out this October.

 

Sullivan’s Steakhouse of King of Prussia (and other locations) is thrilled to offer their Pink Menu this October for the fourth year in a row. Throughout this month, guests can dine on this mouth-watering $39.95 three-course prix fixe. Five dollars from each Pink Menu purchased will be donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. to raise awareness for the fight against breast cancer.

“We are very pleased with the continued support of Sullivan’s Steakhouse and the Del Frisco’s Restaurant Group towards the fight against breast cancer. The funds raised from October’s Pink Menu will have a direct positive impact on our mission and breast cancer education efforts,” said Janelle Hail, CEO and Founder of the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

Sullivan’s Steakhouse has assembled its most delicious, most mouthwatering items for customers to enjoy for its Pink Menu. Guests have a choice of four starters including Wild Mushroom Bisque with Chive Infused Oil and Sullivan’s famous Iceberg Wedge Salad.

For the main course, guests can choose from Filet Mignon, Cajun Dusted Salmon Fillet with Truffle-Red Pepper Chili Butter, Roasted Chicken Breast with Wild Mushroom-Madeira Ragout and Crab Stuffed Shrimp with Chive Beurre Blanc along with a choice of the signature sides: the Horseradish Mashed Potatoes, Crab Fried Rice or Skillet Steak Mushroom Caps. Dessert options are New York Style Cheesecake, Bananas Foster Bread Pudding, Key Lime Pie and Warm Chocolate Brownie Cake.

 

My guest and I enjoyed the wedge salad and the mushroom soup- so creamy, light and fresh, and then on to the main course, the filet and the rosted chicken with mushroom. These flavors were rich and satisfying, all very good comfort food for October. Along with the green beans and the horseradish mashed potatoes, this dinner was a feast for the senses.

Sullivan’s Steakhouse and its sister restaurant Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House both establish strong roots in each city they call home, and have always valued being an active part of the community and an eager supporter of local charities.

The Pink Menu is available for dinner nationwide at all 19 Sullivan’s Steakhouse locations. In addition, Del Frisco’s Restaurant Group and the National Breast Cancer Foundation will continue to collaborate on their joint educational partnership, designed to raise awareness about breast cancer to both employees and consumers alike.

Chocolate Soufflé

 

For information about the National Breast Cancer Foundation, please visit www.nbcf.org.

For reservations or for more information, call 610-878-9167 or visit online at http://sullivansteakhouse.com/king_of_prussia-details.php.

Special thanks to Alexandra Walsh at Neff Associates;  Nanci Pietras and Michael Sarbocca at Sullivan’s for graciously hosting us.

Special thanks to Rachel Richards for the photographs.

Sullivan’s Steakhouse Patio Debut with VIP Party

As the weather is changing, I’ve discovered the place to be in KoP…at Sullivan’s.

Recently I attended the VIP event of the month- with ribbon-cutting and the announcement of the new outdoor patio at Sullivan’s Steakhouse in King of Prussia.

Complete with their delicious, amazing, wonderful signature martini and mouth-watering, delectable crabcakes, cold peanut noodles in Chinese food take-out boxes, this was a superb introduction to all that Sullivan’s has to offer patrons in fine dining this summer.

The patio is off to the side in a great area that gives diners the warm afternoon sun and is appropriately shielded from hearing and seeing too much noise off Route 202. The patio is fully outfitted with HDTVs which makes Sullivan’s the perfect place to watch a game in a comfortable and exciting atmosphere.

The outdoor patio, which is covered to protect customers from the weather, also has wonderful heaters to keep warm on chilly nights. The patio seats 50 guests, while the private dining room hosts approximately 60-70.

The outdoor patio at Sullivan’s Steakhouse in King of Prussia

The opening party included a very cool ribbon cutting with all the heavy hitters at Sullivan’s, as well as the lucky invitees to the party.

Did I mention the amazing signature martinis??? 

So, if you are looking for a place to enjoy the sunset, eat a delicious meal and enjoy the company that you have taken to dinner, in a glorious outdoor setting- then please make a reservation at Sullivan’s!

President of Neff Associates David Neff, Del Frisco’s Restaurant Group Regional Manager Shang Skipper, Sullivan’s Steakhouse Wilmington General Manager Bill White, Sullivan’s Steakhouse King of Prussia General Manager Tumoor Haye, Del Frisco’s Philadelphia General Manager Richie Furino and Sullivan’s Steakhouse King of Prussia Executive Chef Eric Gantz. 

Sullivan’s of King of Prussia is located at 700 West Dekalb Pike, King of Prussia, PA 19406 and reservations can be made now at 610.878.9167.

Hours of operation for lunch are Mon.-Fri. 11:30a-4:00p. Hours of operation for dinner are Mon. 5:00p-10:00p, Tues.-Sat. 5:00-11:00p, and Sun. 4:00p-10:00p.

Special thanks to Michelle Spevak and her team at Neff Associates

Photos by Mike Hirata and Allison Benford