Last weekend I traveled to Orlando, Fl with my daughter for a cheerleading competition. I was looking forward to some bright sunshine and breaking out the spring wardrobe. Typically when I put on a pair of shorts at the first sign of warm weather, I am temporarily...
>> Taste and Savor
Energy Foods for Men Men have more muscle and are typically bigger than women, they require more calories throughout the day. But what is a good plan to help with energy? Moderately active males should eat 2,000 to 2,800 calories per day. For energy, weight management...
Wanderlust – Bringing the Flavors of Travel Home
Peoria? Yes. Rioja? Of course! Milwaukee? I’m Ready. I have a serious case of wanderlust and am always game to travel anywhere, any time. That’s probably why long-time Buckhead resident Connie Allman and I have such a great connection. Hands down, Connie is my “most...
Ayurvedic Eating!
Ayurvedic is an ancient healing philosophy that divides individuals into three types – or doshas. The doshas, along with lots of other interesting information governs living and eating. I had the pleasure of making an Ayurvedic lunch for participants at Cancer...
Learning to Taste and Savor: By Healthy “Sous” Chef Partyologist, Lea Bowen
Exactly one month ago today, I had the pleasure of meeting Chef Nancy Waldeck for the first time. The interview was arranged by a friend I had met in culinary school, named Sue Snape. I will be forever grateful to her for setting up my meeting with Nancy and helping...
A Trip to Italy in May – Sounds Great to Me!
My fellow chef and wonderful friend Hans Rueffert has a trip planned to Italy in May. And here's the good news: You can go too! Take a look at the trip at http://woodbridgeinn.net/pdf/ValbrunaTravel11.pdf
Not Just Your Average Cup of Joe at Nordstrom’s Ebar – Coffee is for Cooking Too! Chipotle-Coffee Rubbed Grilled Chicken
I was tired of standing in line at Starbucks when a friend suggested we head over to the Espresso Bar at Nordstrom for our coffee. That was 4 years ago at Perimeter Mall, and my favorite coffee spot is still the same. Now that Nordstrom, one of my favorite shopping...
Super Salad
We are doing a class this week at Cancer Wellness on clean eating---coming back to the whole food, as unprocessed as possible and really enjoying the flavors of your recipe. I love the salad Chef Nancy is going to do in class. It is filled with superfoods that I get...
Cardamom Pomegranate Citrus Salad
I've been buying such beautiful citrus this month, that I can't resist passing on this recipe. Shayna always says: "the more colorful the plate, the better it is for you!" This plate is full of the yellows and oranges of citrus. If you haven't tasted cardamom before...
Friends Lunch – Easy Creamy Onion Soup
My vote for the best “friend-I-haven’t-seen-in-a-long-time” lunch in Buckhead? Au Pied du Cochon. The décor is spectacular – but the food and service make the meal. The restaurant, located in the Intercontinental on Peachtree is open 24 hours a day, every day of the...
Grilled Lemon Rosemary Chicken Inspired by a Bottle of Pinot Noir
Walking in the door of PH Wine Merchant is like stepping into an wine oasis. The new store in Peachtree Hills is warm, welcoming and definitely different from your run of the mill bottle shop. Owned by Anthony Yambor and Patrick Shippley, it is a partnership based on...
(Chef Nancy and I were at Cancer Wellness of Piedmont for a Chemoflage event. Look at Chef Nancy's clean and fresh salad!) Eating clean and fresh We had a few warm days recently in Atlanta and I was filled with spring fever! Whenever I am outside hiking with my...
Working Out a Plan for Eating Better
Perfect Post Workout Snack: Nutty Fruit Granola BarsFirst Published in the Buckhead Patch January 28, 2011 http://buckhead.patch.comSo what does a personal trainer have to do with eating? Lots! One of the reasons I love being a chef is the opportunity to motivate...
Very Delicious Vanilla Cupcakes!
Shayna and I are always looking for new and fun ways to make healthy food interesting and taste great. Here's a better-for-you mini cupcake recipe that you can bake as a vegan cupcake - or not. Either way, they are a delicious treat! Very Vanilla Vegan Cupcakes ½ Cup...
Feast on Fish Fish is a wonderful addition to a healthy cancer fighting diet. Strive for 2-3 servings of an omega 3 fatty acid rich fish per week. Some great choices are wild salmon, mackerel, sardines, and albacore tuna. Many clients will ask me how to cut down on...