After lunch at Malibu Cafe, I went wine tasting at Malibu Wines. Malibu Wines is only about a five minute drive from the cafe and offers valet parking as well as a free shuttle service 1/2 mile west of the Malibu Wines tasting room. If you park at the shuttle lot you can visit Camille, the camel as well as the horses, donkeys, zebras and buffalos owned by the proprietors of Malibu Wines. I was worried about Camille's temperament, but she was quite friendly and let me pet her for a while. We became life-long friends. The Malibu Wines venue, including the tasting room, is completely outdoors and provides seating and tables for lounging around with family and friends. Make sure you bring your own food and snacks because Malibu Wines does not serve food. Many parties had picnics on the lawn. At the tasting room, I sampled the Semler Flight and purchased a bottle of the 2012 Saddlerock Orange Muscat and the 2005 Turtlerock Cabernet Sauvignon. For the remainder of the afternoon I enjoyed the weather and good company.
Outfit is the same as post from Malibu Cafe at Calamigos Ranch. Tank top is from Free People, chambray top is by Lauren Conrad for Kohls, white skinny jeans are from Anne Taylor Loft petite, aviator sunglasses are from Coach and bracelet is from David Yurman.
Malibu Cafe at Calamigos Ranch is a family owned and operated restaurant with a rustic southern California vibe. It is secluded atop the Malibu Hills and is well worth the scenic drive. The cafe provides American fusion cuisine with a Cowboy flair. I had lunch at Malibu Cafe and ordered the Brisket Tacos and the Malibu Wine farm fresh cocktail. The food is average but you are paying for the ambiance. The cafe overlooks the ranch which is known for its beautiful landscape. The atmosphere feels like a large private backyard party. The cafe provides wine tasting, outdoor activities and games including paddle boarding, billiards, shuffle board and a bean bag toss. The Tree Top Lounge is scheduled to open soon and will provide wine tasting. Then you will really feel like you are in an enchanted forest. The location is extremely popular for events and I tried to sneak a peek at an outdoor wedding but the reception moved inside. Perhaps next time when I make it back for the Tree Top Lounge.
A preppy and relaxed outfit is necessary for a southern California outing. Tank top is from Free People, chambray top is by Lauren Conrad for Kohls, white skinny jeans are from Anne Taylor Loft petite, aviator sunglasses are from Coach and bracelet is from David Yurman.
In honor of throwback Thursday, I decided to reminisce about a wine tasting adventure at Philip Carter Winery last February. The family owned winery is tucked away in the foothills of Virginia's beautiful landscape. Virginia wine tasting is becoming increasingly more popular. I highly recommend booking a bus or charter service so you can enjoy your day of wine tasting and not be concerned about transportation home. I had a private group tasting in the King Carter suite overlooking the vineyards. I much prefer red wine, but I enjoyed the white wine at Philip Carter as well. Restaurants, wine cellars, and a few local grocery stores sell Philip Carter wines. After the wine tasting was complete, I explored the surrounding vineyards and stumbled upon a groundhog that was none too happy I stepped on his front door. Fortunately, we went our separate ways.
You can never be sure of the weather in February, but luckily it was a beautiful day. Sweater is from Anne Taylor Loft Petite (similar), top is Eight Sixty from Macy's (similar), pants are from Anne Taylor Petite, boots are from Banana Republic, bracelet is from Express (similar) and purse is from Tory Burch (similar). And yes, I do look like I'm a weather woman or am trying to sell the drink on an infomercial.
April showers bring May flowers. May is always such a busy month with graduations, Mother's Day and spring birthdays. This year I was surprised and taken to City Zen at the Mandarin Oriental to celebrate. According to the Washingtonian, City Zen has been listed as one of the Top Ten Restaurants for fine dining. The Washingtonian's list of restaurants never ceases to disappoint. At the beginning of the evening I was presented a birthday card signed
by the entire team at City Zen and thanked for deciding to celebrate my birthday with City Zen. The atmosphere provides for
a romantic date night or a girls night out. City Zen's menu provides three options: a four-course prix fixe menu, a six-course chef's tasting menu or a six-course vegetarian menu. Naturally, I decided on the six-course chef's tasting menu. Dinner lasted about four hours and the service was impeccable. I highly recommend the chef's tasting menu as it is one of the best tasting menu's I have ever had.
A birthday celebration would not be complete without a new outfit. Dress is from Bebe, blazer is from Nordstrom (similar), Earrings, Bracelet, Ring from David Yurman and purse from Tory Burch (similar).
Last summer I traveled to New Orleans and ventured to Cafe Du Monde, world famous for its cafe' au lait and beignets. This morning I woke up craving southern comfort food, so I decided to try Bayou Bakery, a restaurant owned by a New Orleans native. When you enter, you immediately understand why this restaurant is so popular. The line to order is out the door and you can smell the aroma of southern cooking. I ordered a cappuccino, an order of beignets, the jive chicken sandwich and a side of mac and cheese with sausage. The beignets were amazing and the jive chicken sandwich and mac and cheese with sausage were large portions and extremely satisfying.
Brunch would not be complete without a cozy outfit. Top is from JCrew (similar), sweater from Banana Republic Petites (similar) and earrings from David Yurman.
