Party Blogs
Summer Berry Pavlova

Summer Berry Pavlova

When I grew up in Texas, I remember my mother’s wonderful parties.  She made everything from scratch.  One of my mother's favorite desserts to make for a crowd was a Pavlova, a large meringue base filled with fruits and topped with whipped cream and of course ice...

A Taste Of Capri Party

A Taste Of Capri Party

Hi all! I’m so excited to be back with my bi-weekly blog!  It’s been a hectic 6 months with a heck of a lot of packing and unpacking. My husband and I sold our NYC apartment and bought an apartment in Palm Beach last November.   And because I am not ready yet to exit...

THIS YEAR’S WILD FISHY FEAST WAS ONE for THE BOOKS!

THIS YEAR’S WILD FISHY FEAST WAS ONE for THE BOOKS!

If you know me, you know how much I LOVE our end of the season Fishy Feast party! It really is the perfect way to say goodbye to summer  and say hello to fall and all of the festivities that come with it. Every year, my husband Michael goes on a summer fishing trip...

CHECK OUT THE SECRETS of MY TOP 8 FAVORITE KITCHENS

CHECK OUT THE SECRETS of MY TOP 8 FAVORITE KITCHENS

   Secrets of my top 8 favorite kitchens I know. It’s my fault.  I'm such a foodie.  I take the blame.  When I invite my friends over to eat, dine, and celebrate, you know the party always ends up in the kitchen! After traveling the world, eating my way through its...

COME TO THE FIESTA WITH ME!

COME TO THE FIESTA WITH ME!

A Theme to Fall For! Most everyone loves a great party, especially me! My recent trip to Merida, Mexico inspired me to create a fantastic Fall Fiesta for my friends at our Hamptons home, last weekend. It was such a brilliant evening that I wanted to share it with you...

FLIRTING WITH EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL

FLIRTING WITH EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL

Flavor Your Life! Have you ever been to an olive oil tasting? Last month, I was invited to a tasting, blending, and educational event all about a favorite kitchen staple, of mine: Extra Virgin Olive Oil. The event was at Fairway Market Cafe in New York City and was...

3 VIDEOS FOR A STRESSLESS SUMMER PARTY SEASON

3 VIDEOS FOR A STRESSLESS SUMMER PARTY SEASON

We’re officially into the Summer Party Season! The chilly weather is almost gone and I'm hankering for grilled food and summer cocktails while watching the sunset. I must admit, however, that it can be overwhelming to be a host or hostess. Luckily, I have some tips to...

DO THE HOKE POKE!!

DO THE HOKE POKE!!

  Dance life! Have I told you that I'm taking ballroom dancing?  I adore it. It's my escape for a few hours a week. I was a former jazz dancer; but ballroom dance is like learning a new language. It's challenging but exhilarating.  I am learning at the Dance with...

AN END OF SUMMER FISH FEAST

AN END OF SUMMER FISH FEAST

These days it’s important that we all disconnect from time to time and enjoy some self-care. One of the best ways that I know how to unplug is by enjoying some R&R at Hippocrates Health Institute, which you'll recall from my previous post. So, this summer, as I...

50 SHADES OF PINK

50 SHADES OF PINK

I recently attended a theme party in St. Tropez like no other I’ve experienced. You know how I love parties with themes! This one was a double birthday bash for a fabulous lady and her son! She turned 50 and he turned 18! Thus… #18and50shadesofpink    The...

CURE FOR COUTURE: THE FINAL COUNTDOWN

CURE FOR COUTURE: THE FINAL COUNTDOWN

THE FINAL COUNTDOWN!! Drum roll please! My 90 day shopping detox is coming to an end. Yep, can you even believe that it has been three months? Did I survive? Well, I lived to write another blog post, so I guess you know the answer to that. But what about my soul? My...

CURE FOR COUTURE PART 2

CURE FOR COUTURE PART 2

So I’m sure you’re curious… have I cheated??? Have I visited my boyfriends, Louis, Christian, Oscar and Roberto and let them lure me into shopping heaven? It’s been 22 days of my shopping detox… Cure for Couture. I am proud to say that I have not relented! It feels...

CURE FOR COUTURE

CURE FOR COUTURE

I have a confession to make. I have a secret that I have been hiding. I can't go on living this lie anymore. I feel I really must tell you the truth. As they say, "new year, new you."  I have an addiction. If you guessed chocolate you would be sort of correct. If you...

RING IN THE NEW YEAR IN THE RIGHT WAY

RING IN THE NEW YEAR IN THE RIGHT WAY

As I savor the last few days of 2015, I have so much to be grateful for, and I'm sure that you do as well. As a yearly ritual, I make a list of all my gratefuls for the past year.  It feels so good to acknowledge those around me and to even acknowledge myself. To...

A CHEEKY KNEES UP! (A FABULOUS PARTY)

A CHEEKY KNEES UP! (A FABULOUS PARTY)

It's almost midway through August and I can barely believe it! This summer has been filled with so many wonderful events and it feels like it will never end! But, the fun isn't over just yet. If you recall, last year I went to the most opulent, delicious, and...

THE PERFECT HOSTESS GIFT! FEATURING COUNTESS LUANN

THE PERFECT HOSTESS GIFT! FEATURING COUNTESS LUANN

Summer is in full swing, and that means summer parties! Cookouts, cocktail hours, pool parties, and outdoor dinner invitations seem to be cropping up by the dozen. If you are planning one of these summer bashes, you've probably had a schedule in mind for weeks in...

ETIQUETTE WITH COUNTESS LUANN!

ETIQUETTE WITH COUNTESS LUANN!

This week, I'm doing something a little different. As you can see in the photo above I'm not in my usual domain, the kitchen! On top of being a chef, I'm also a great hostess (which I got from my momma, of course!) and I've been getting a lot of questions about party...

MY ITALIAN ABBODANZA DINNER PARTY!

MY ITALIAN ABBODANZA DINNER PARTY!

You all know how much I love to entertain, but sometimes setting the table can be daunting, even to me. Themes  are an easy way to organize a table setting, but some themes are easier than others! I wanted to have an Italian-themed party this time around. It’s so...

MY JANUARY WHITE PARTY

MY JANUARY WHITE PARTY

I live to entertain – especially during the holidays. That's why I felt so odd not entertaining guests this year! I knew I had to do something special in January to make up for it. Plus, who couldn’t use a party to get them through the dead of winter? What better way...

ITALIAN COOKING PARTY SNEAK PEAK

ITALIAN COOKING PARTY SNEAK PEAK

Imagine you've been invited to a very special evening. Upon arrival, you walk into a beautiful space with terrace views overlooking a Central Park sunset. You're greeted with a festive cocktail and invited to enjoy hors d'ourves while catching up with five of your...

FALL PARTIES AT FLIRTING WITH FLAVORS

FALL PARTIES AT FLIRTING WITH FLAVORS

Do you wish you could entertain at home but simply don't have the space? Rather have someone else do the cooking for you? Fall is the perfect time to get together in NYC, but dining out at restaurants can be impersonal, frenzied, and loud. There's nothing worse than...

SUMMER WEDDING DIARIES: KAILY & ADAM Part 1

SUMMER WEDDING DIARIES: KAILY & ADAM Part 1

A Summer Wedding to Remember There must be something in the air; this Summer I've been to some of the most enchanting weddings I've ever been to in my LIFE! If you've been reading my blog, you already know about the beautiful wedding I recently attended in Paris, and...

WHITE PARTY TABLE SETTING (VIDEO TUTORIAL)

WHITE PARTY TABLE SETTING (VIDEO TUTORIAL)

Every year, my good friend Nurit Kahane plans a white-themed party in celebration of both Memorial Day and Shabbat. Among friends, Nurit is known for her impeccable style with entertaining. When it comes to setting a table, Nurit is my guru. Her floral centerpieces...

5 SECRETS TO PLANNING A STRESS FREE PARTY

5 SECRETS TO PLANNING A STRESS FREE PARTY

Last night, I hosted a cocktail party for 40 people at my home.  For someone with my catering and event experience, pulling it off was second nature. Through years of practice, planning a party has become an instinctual process. Because of this, I tend to forget why...

HOW TO SET A BEAUTIFUL TABLESCAPE (VIDEO TUTORIAL)

HOW TO SET A BEAUTIFUL TABLESCAPE (VIDEO TUTORIAL)

Believe it or not, setting a table is the first thing I do when I'm getting ready for a dinner party. It sets the mood and gets me ready to entertain. Does setting a tablescape confuse or intimidate you? Don't worry, the word "tablescape" may sound daunting, but it's...

Birthday Revelations

Birthday Revelations

[youtube_sc url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSe_HXl-png&feature=youtu.be"] Yesterday was a (big!) birthday of mine and I was lucky enough to celebrate it with my closest circle of girlfriends. I can't express in words how blessed and loved I felt around them....

Giving Back and Looking Forward

Giving Back Monday night I attended one of my favorite annual events, the C-CAP Fundraiser, one of the proudest nights of the culinary world. The food and the guest list are always sublime, but this is also one of the most meaningful charity events that I am lucky...

Melting Hearts in the Kitchen

February is a month to celebrate romance. A month for flowers and chocolate, first dates and engagements. A month to explore our passions and rediscover our pleasures. On Feb 6th, 25 women and I did just that. Along with The W Forum, a community of smart,...

Blushing Brides and Martha Stewart in NYC

Last weekend I did something I've never done before.  Flirting with Flavors officially became part of the wedding industry as we strutted our stuff at Martha Stewart's Wedding Party at Gotham Hall in NYC.  Claudia Hanlin and the Wedding Library produced a flawless...

Shaking It Up

Can you believe it'll be 2013 in just a few days?! Seems crazy, doesn't it? This year has really flown by for me! I got married (!) traveled to beautiful places worked really hard             learned new things partied with my friends...

A Bravo-Star-Studded Party

The short ribs are braising, the polenta is bubbling, the meatballs are browning, the squash is softening in the oven... I love those hours just before an event where I am in my zone in the kitchen, finishing up each dish and taking in all of the tastes and aromas. I...

Celebrating LIFE

I had the great privilege this Monday, to attend the LIFE Camp, Inc. event at the BeauMarchais restaurant in East Hampton, hosted by Deepak Chopra and Russell Simmons. LIFE Camp LIFE (Love Ignites Freedom through Education) Camp is a nonprofit organization formed in...

Want To Party With Me?

Expand Your Hosting Abilities! Imagine entertaining all the time in your home and feeling confident in your cooking and hosting abilities. Imagine throwing the best parties in town and feeling stress-free, even flirting at your own party. Imagine having a stack of...

Wedding Bells Over Central Park

I haven't written to you in a very long time and I have a great excuse! Have you heard? I got MARRIED last weekend! Although Michael and I have been in a very long relationship, there is nothing as sacred and confirming to that relationship as tying the knot! The...

Happy New Year from Flirting with Flavors!!!

Happy New Year from Flirting with Flavors!!!

How was your 2011? I feel so blessed to be able to share my year with you.  I did a lot of flirting in 2011... with the places I visited (Capri, St. Barths, St Tropez, Paris, Provence, Miami and more), with the extraordinary people I met, and of course, with the meals...

You Can Party in the Kitchen, Too!

You Can Party in the Kitchen, Too!

A Birthday Party to Remember! This summer, I received a request from a woman who wanted to throw a unique birthday party for one of her girlfriends. I knew right away that my Flirting With Flavors Cooking Parties were the perfect fit for her. We created an amazing...

Party with Me in the Kitchen!

Party with Me in the Kitchen!

Picture yourself in the kitchen with 6 of your best friends...laughing and cooking together...and creating a mouth watering meal.... Start with cocktails outdoors, then come inside and gather around the stove to Flirt with Flavors. Flirting with Flavors Cooking...

Perfection Party

Perfection Party

Flawless Perfection As many of you know, for the past several months I have been hard at work with my dear friend Janine Francolini, planning the Perfection Party for the Flawless Foundation. The event took place on April 9th at the Otto Kahn and James Burden...

Flirting Around

Flirting Around

South Beach, Baby! Every October I excitedly wait for the South Beach Wine & Food Festival to be announced, and as soon as it is I buy my tickets for the events. I know that many of them will sell out in just a few hours! The last week in February when it’s icy...

Get Your Flirt on This Spring!

Get Your Flirt on This Spring!

I am so excited to announce Flirting with Flavors Cooking School's SPRING CLASSES! Are you ready to get hot in the kitchen and stay cool in your confidence? Are you ready to impress your husband, dates, friends, and family with your new found cooking skills? Do you...

Fabulously Flawless

Fabulously Flawless

Party with a Purpose! Part of my job as an event planner and culinary expert is to act as a liaison between chefs and charitable foundations. I'm so proud to announce that I've been working on an amazing event for the Flawless Foundation which will take place on April...

The Guide to Your Perfect Thanksgiving Dinner!!

The Guide to Your Perfect Thanksgiving Dinner!!

Cooking Thanksgiving dinner can be intimidating even for seasoned cooks. With this in mind, I created a Thanksgiving 101 class which I taught a few days ago to 6 phenomenal women. Remove the Stress! For those of you who were not able to make it to my class, do not...

An Evening of Hope

An Evening of Hope

There are so many worthwhile charity events in New York City, but this one is dear to my heart.  Each year, The Pride of New York Award honors a great New York Chef  or restaurateur to raise funds for Maryhaven Center of Hope.   Maryhaven is one of Long Island’s...

FISHY FEAST

FISHY FEAST

Luckily for me, my partner Michael loves to fish. A few weeks ago, he caught a huge (17 lb!) striped bass in Peconic Bay (the bay that flows between the North and South Forks of Long Island). We had to remove a few shelves from our freezer just to get it in! Then on...

Getting Fancy in Midtown

Getting Fancy in Midtown

As I write this, I am sitting at my desk, slowly savoring a piece of the richest, most decadent dark chocolate bar: John Kelly's Chocolate with French Grey Sea Salt Fudge. I'm absolutely loving the combination of dark chocolate and sea salt. I brought it home from the...

A Taste of Flavors for a Great Cause

A Taste of Flavors for a Great Cause

Last night, I had the pleasure of attending Taste of the Nation at the Grand Hyatt Hotel. It was a phenomenal night for a great charity, with some of the best food I’ve ever tasted! I love these big food events with so many restaurants in one room, where you can...

A Feast of Friendship

A Feast of Friendship

I'm always delighted when people entertain in their homes, and I especially love theme parties. Last week, I attended a Moroccan-themed dinner party for my friend Nurit's birthday. It was a testament to true sisterhood! Two of Nurit's dear friends created a dinner in...

A Special Evening for Charity

A Special Evening for Charity

Every year, I organize an intimate charity dinner for a wonderful organization,  Maryhaven Center of Hope. This is one of Long Island’s oldest and largest nonprofit program, a nonsectarian agency which lovingly serves disabled children and adults of every race,...

Impromptu Feast In South Beach

Impromptu Feast In South Beach

Though I am a New York City girl (crazy since I grew up in the Boonies of Nowhere Texas), everybody needs a break from the hustle and bustle once in a while.  In my case, I am grateful because my older brother has a house in South Beach Miami, and whenever I need a...

Still cooking! More recipes and blogs coming soon!