Husband's First Father's Day at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel

Hope you all had a wonderful Father’s Day with your family! 

Yesterday was my husband’s first Father’s Day, so to honor and celebrate how great of a Dad he is, I surprised him with a brunch at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel and a bag full of goodies… Gucci Guilty Pour Homme Eau de Toilette Spray, two Calvin Klein shirts, a shadow box frame with pictures of him and our Little Bundle of Joy and a message engraved that says, “Happy First Father’s Day" along with greeting cards from me and the baby.

On the table...

- 2 Minestrone Soup
- Charred Octopus with Potato Confit, Tomato and Shishito Peppers
- 2 Branzino with Artichokes, Sugar Snap Peas and Asparagus
- Profiteroles
- Cappuccino

 And now, for some snapshots....

A Pleasant Saturday Afternoon

Day before Father's Day we picked up Grammy and headed to The Americana for a  late lunch/early dinner at The Cheesecake Factory -- and also to celebrate Father's Day, although I have another surprise one planned for hubby for tomorrow at a 5-star hotel in Beverly Hills.

On the table...
 
Portabella Mushroom, Avocado and Zucchini Fries
Dynamite Shrimp
Calamari
Warm Crab and Artichoke Dip
Margherita Pizza

We wrapped-up the day with a froyo from Pinkberry.

A Cousin's Wedding

Ah June! It’s that time of the year again when love is in the air and wedding bells are ringing.  This Friday, my cousin who was also my classmate from second grade thru high school tied the knot with her sweetheart.  It was a beautiful outdoor ceremony overlooking a golf course followed by a fun-filled reception.

Here are a few snapshots from the wedding…

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?

I love books from an early age.  I got it from my Dad.  Now, I would like our Little Bundle of Joy to develop a habit of reading as well.  I have been reading books to him since he was about two months old.  So far his favorite is Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr. and by Eric Carle. It goes like this… Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?  I see a Red Bird looking at me. The Red Bird responds with another animal and so on.  He loves it when I slide the tab and reveal the next animal.

Here are some photos of us during our "Learning Time"...

Midweek "Play Date" at the Americana

The Little Bundle of Joy had another play date today.  Baby “play date” that is… wherein they just stared and smiled at each other.  I know, I know, it's not about them, right? Someday play dates will be about them, but for now they put up with their mommies hanging out and sharing stories "about them" over a  yummy shrimp and mushroom risotto and frozen yogurt.

Lazing in the Park

Summer is almost here!  And, what a better way to kick off the season of sweet lemonade and lazy days than a picnic in the park. 

Yesterday we grabbed a Subway breakfast sub and coffee and headed to the park. Our Little Bundle of Joy was full of smile and giggles when we laid him down on a blanket under a shaded tree. 

Mouthwatering Mezze Dishes at Mantee Café

Today’s lunch was a feast to the senses that transported us to the Middle East/Mediterranean.  I’m talking about mezze dishes at Mantee Café, a charming and romantic restaurant quietly tucked on Ventura Blvd in Studio City. Just like Spanish tapas, mezze-style dining consists of salad and a variety of hot and cold dishes in small plates. 

On the table... 

Armenian Salad - chopped cucumber,  tomato and romaine lettuce with vinaigrette dressing

Motabbal - charbroiled eggplant seasoned with lemon, garlic and sesame paste

Kibbe Nayyeh - seasoned fresh tartar meat with crushed wheat 

Soujuk Flambé - Armenian beef sausage sautéed with fresh tomato and prepared table side

Bamia - okra cooked in tomato sauce

King's Delight - diced filet mignon sautéed in garlic, tomato and parsley

Aish el Saraya - a Lebanese desert which means “the bread of royal palace" 

I love Mantee Café.  Food is consistently delicious, service is always professional and attentive and the owner is nice and friendly.