Embassies from around the world dot the landscape in Washington, D.C. and the streets are filled with reckless foreign diplomats. You can spot their special license plates, which allow them to drive like maniacs since they’re granted immunity. D.C. was a true mixing bowl, where the Italians weren’t the Jersey Shore type, but the type who spoke Italian and made their own limoncello.
My childhood in the Washington suburbs was multi-cultural, but not in that forced, PC way that makes everyone nervous. My school featured students from France to India, Vietnam to Ireland. To celebrate this mash-up, Beech Tree Elementary hosted International Dinners, where families cooked food from their native country to share. Stations would be set up with homemade flags, dollops of food were shared and adventurous eaters would mill about.
The event brought families together in an organic way. It inspired me to host an International Dinner Party of my own!
Chocolate from around the world
How to do it:
1) The hardest part? Cooking food from around the world. The most fun part? Cooking food from around the world!
The spread featured homemade duck pate and Korean kimchi and rice with seaweed!
2) Make signs for all the foods – it will encourage guests to try somehing unfamiliar. A charming accent? Label everything on airmail envelopes!
3) Feature beer and wine from around the world!
4) Ask guests to arrive dressed in native garb – clothing from their country. Many of my friends didn’t have such clothes, but they improvised. My friend Tess wore a custom dress she had made in Vietnam. A man of French descent wore a fake moustache and an English friend wore tartan and wellies! But hands down, the best costume went to Kim Burke-Connors, who celebrated her Russian roots with a babushka scarf, a basket of potatoes, a bottle of vodka and austerity!
5) Buy a basket and fill it with international foods such as Italian pasta, German mustard and soy sauce. One guest will get to go home with this prize. How do you determine the winner? World trivia, based on geograhy, customs and food! At our party, competition was tight, with a lot of tension between the last two finalists.
6) Give guests a small parting gift, such as Swiss chocolate or a small bottle of Irish whiskey. Guests will love being treated to a night around the world without leaving town. Enjoy!
International dessert bar, with sugared mangoes from the Phillippines, Scottish shortbread, American s’mores and much more!A deviled egg bar is a fun represention of the USA – Nora Ephron used to say that people love to play with their food!
Before we embarked on our Mediterranean cruise, we arrived in Barcelona early to explore a bit.
It was a sensual place – summer downpours that made the Gothic architecture slick and glittery under city lights. An azure sea that dotted our paella with its fresh offerings. And everywhere you went, locals were at leisure. At 10 pm you’d find them languid at sidewalk cafes. They’re laughing with their children, sipping sangria and enjoying a long dinner followed by a cigarette.
One of the many courses in our “menu del dia” lunch
Whether you’ve been to Spain or not, you’ve likely enjoyed tapas at a restaurant. Eaters beware; Spain knows you enjoy tapas, and restauranteurs will charge an arm and a leg for the tiny plates. Darlings, put your menus down.
Papas Bravas and more at Cal Ramon Braseria
Be savvy and do what the locals do. Order the menu del dia (daily special). You will be brought course after course of their freshest food and drinks, as the menu changes daily. You’ll enjoy just as much variety for a fraction of the price. In fact, you will never be able to finish it!
La Rambla prepares for an intense thunderstorm
All tourists in Barcelona visit Via Rambla, the main strip of commerce that ends at the sea. While there’s plenty of shopping to do, I recommend ducking into the farmer’s markets. See the locals haggling and squeezing melons, enjoy street food from the vendors and buy gifts that are more authentic and reasonably priced than what you’ll find at a souvenir shop. I much prefer handmade Spanish chocolates or a tiny box of saffron to a porcelain bell with the word “Barcelona” on it.
Exotic treats at the La Rambla Farmer’s Market
Of course, don’t forget to eat Papas Bravas (spicy potatoes) and drink sangria. In Spain, they like to add a kick to it and always add Sprite. In fact, when you order the menu del dia at any restaurant, it automatically comes with red wine and a Sprite, which is meant to be mixed.
La Sagrada Familia – spooky and dream-like
La Sagrada Familia is spooky and ominous, a must-see. And while in the neighborhood, don’t miss Cal Ramon Braseria. The spunky owner is free in-house entertainment and his generous menu del dia will not disappoint.
When in Spain, try the paellaAt Montjuic Castle – a historical site with views of the MediterraneanRamon in the 70sRamon today
If you’re in the San Gabriel Valley, you cannot skip dim sum!
Every bon vivant knows that to truly appreciate food, you need a mix of the high and low. Beef Wellington is to die for, but so are street tacos.
Luckily, I’m able to write about food, and currently live in a city that takes it so seriously, they host an annual awards ceremony for chefs and restauranteurs.
Coffee tastes better with old friends. With over 10 types of mochas, Oriental carpets and dark atmosphere, The Library is the best coffee shop in Long Beach.
But I often become homesick for my old stomping grounds – Los Angeles, California. Recently, I took a trip back to see old friends, and it inadvertently became a food tour. If a friend invited me over for cocktails, I’d suck air through my teeth and ask, “Actually, can we meet at Los Tacos? I’ve been craving their bean and cheese burrito.” This trip made me really think about where I wanted to spend my limited time, restaurants included. They’re rated first on taste, then price. I’ve eaten through a lot of second-rate establishments to provide this list, so take heed and bon appetit!
These guys are fusion without trying to be. China’s “Wild West” had been previously conquered by Middle Eastern countries, resulting in a heavenly mash-up of All Things Good. Their savory meat pie is addictive, their hand-pulled noodles are chewy and so thick they need to be cut with scissors, which is great because the texture helps drag out those sweet moments. Perhaps most exciting are their lamb ribs – deep-fried and dusted with cumin and powdered chiles. Once quiet and only known to Chinese immigrants in the San Gabriel Valley, the well-deserved hype for this place is steamrolling.
Once obscure, now in-demand halal Chinese food in the SGV – get there early!
When you walk in, the unmistakable Italian deli aroma hits you. With chewy, heavenly bread that can hold together a monster of a sandwich, Bay Cities delivers top notch meats and cheeses with all the trimmings. I always go for the classic Godmother. And yes, there will be a line.
Bay Cities is in Santa Monica, and I promise you the sandwich tastes much better if you enjoy it at the beach.
This California Craftsman home-turned-coffee house is a charmer. You can roam all the different rooms and sit anywhere you’d like. There’s always a Scrabble game going on. Local art hangs on the walls, making it a gallery as well. And the white chocolate mocha is fantastic. Recently, Armenians bought the place and turned the patio into a hookah bar, adding another dimension to the offerings, which include an open mic night, poetry readings, etc.
This place needs no introduction – it’s always rated the #1 Vietnamese restaurant in L.A. Plus, the L.A. Weekly/L.A. Times Pulitzer Prize-winning food critic Jonathan Gold has raved about it. Luckily I once lived walking distance from Golden Deli, and would feast on their pho when it was cold and their vermicelli salad when it was warm.
I remember this restaurant from 80’s movies as being the place to be (pre-Spago), and it’s been standing since 1974 for good reason. Every single dish is impeccable. None of the fried, sugar-glazed take-out junk and not the obscure stuff – just authentic, mind-blowing Chinese food. Of note: Mr. Chow himself used to be married to Vogue’s Grace Coddington!
Both have much to offer as far as great coffee, but the back room at the Bourgeois Pig still has more ambiance than any Anthropologie Illuminati can imagine. Part harem, part Enchanted Forest, words do it no justice. Here’s a photo.
Reader, never take all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ for granted. Ever! I live in a town where there’s no competition driving prices down. All-you-can-eat does not exist, and what’s worse, BBQ for two easily costs $75. The original Castle on Western Ave was seeing ridiculous lines (thanks to all-you-can-eat for only $9.99!) so they opened a big, shiny Castle II – a mecca of meat and endless sides. I had plenty of friends who wanted to see me. Here, specifically. Get the brisket, burn it a little, and you’re welcome.
“Having good chili isn’t enough,” remarked a competitive guest, “You have to have a gimmick – something they’ll remember your chili by.” Indeed, competition is fierce – there are around 15 varieties in the long line of simmering crock pots. Some used unexpected ingredients, such as duck or pineapple. Others had playful names like,”You Never Sausage Chili.”
A charming, autumn-inspired entryway leads guests to the backyard
The Lewis family does a chili cook-off right. There are plenty of fixings on hand to liven up any bowl, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, fresh-baked cornbread and corn chips. To keep kids occupied, there are heaping trays of chicken nuggets and a mulch-bottomed playground. For the adults, there’s an open bar stacked with small-batch moonshine and ice cold kegs of beer.
Guests come hungry and eat small samples. First-timers usually become too full to try each chili.
As guests enjoy the brisk autumn air, they huddle over bowls of spicy chili and stand around a fire, trying hard to find out which guest brought what chili. Both the cooks and the voters remain anonymous to keep it fair, and the winner takes home an actual trophy!
This annual tradition marks the beginning of the holiday season, and the Lewis family invites friends, family and neighbors alike. This coveted invite promises treats beyond chili. Mulled spice wine simmered on the stove. A deer hunter brought venison-stuffed jalapenos. Not to mention the company. Hostess Melanie Lewis can be described as Pinteresting. This mother of three knits gorgeous scarves, bakes chocolate chip cookies from scratch with her children and crafts like Martha. Brett Lewis is the CEO of Create Digital, a digital marketing company that’s ahead of their time and at least five steps ahead of most Richmond agencies.
Hosts Brett and Melanie Lewis. The hostess stays chic in a leather jacket and magenta scarf she knit herself.
As I stood on the deck, I noticed the leaves were aglow of every color and the air smelled of wood smoke. The setting sun cast an orange glow over the guests. Women hugged and men compared their “Movember” starter beards. This scene of camaraderie belied the hellish underpinnings of competition. These guests were having a blast no doubt. But they also came to win.
Playful couple Mandy Blankenship and Charlie Rhodes are to be wed at Veritas Vineyard in a matter of weeks.
Another gift from Hollywood means another viewing party! The gift I mention is the re-vamp of Arrested Development. The critically-acclaimed cult hit was canceled on-air after just three seasons, because of all the knuckle draggers who’d rather watch Honey Boo Boo and nouveaux riche housewives grappling with middle age, via a liquid diet. The liquid being primarily vodka.
But Netflix graced us with their ingenuity, creating and airing a long-awaited Season Four. Will there be a Season Five? Yes. It’s only a matter of getting all the actors together at one time. A criticism of Season Four was that all the actors were in separate scenes, with no real footage of the Bluth family all together. It’s a dynamic worth waiting for.
So prepare yourselves, darlings! Scroll down for tips on throwing the ultimate Arrested Development viewing party!
Pop-up Banana Stand at the Grove in L.A.!
It wouldn’t be complete without frozen dipped bananas and corn balls; two major references to the series. Corn balls can be made with a hush puppy recipe – but I just winged it with some corn flour, eggs, a dash of milk, and spices. No matter what, add onion powder and a dash of cayenne to keep the cornballs from being too bland.
I even created Blue Man Balls for the eternal mess Tobias Funke. Just make some good old-fashioned Rice Krispies Treats with blue food dye added to the marshmallow mix, and roll into balls instead of laying in a pan.
As with any viewing party:
– Dress up as your favorite character and ask guests to do the same. Laughter is guaranteed when every single guest walks through the door.
– Lower the lights. It discourages loud conversation so enthusiasts can enjoy the film.
– Have plenty of pillows and blankets on hand – you want guests to settle in and get cozy!
– Have a thematic gift, and use it as a prize for the fan who knew the most trivia about the film or series.
– Refresh drinks and pass around trays of food mid-program so guests needn’t take their eyes off the TV.
The town of Wilmington, North Carolina is often referred to as “Filmington.” TV shows such as Eastbound and Down and Dawson’s Creek were locally-based. Wilmington is also home to a range of films; from the David Lynch classic Blue Velvet to summer blockbusters like Iron Man. Unfortunately, North Carolina tax laws may push this lucrative business down to Atlanta and New Orleans, which are more film-friendly.
Inspired by Gone with the Wind’s Tara, the previous owners raised the columns to be two stories high
But whether or not the film industry flees North Carolina, John West is in Wilmington to stay, thankyouverymuch. West has been in the business for over 20 years, and while work led him to Los Angeles for over a decade, he was thrilled to return to North Carolina. He and his four dogs feel quite comfortable in this historic home, with two-story columns out front flanked by twin palms. He has his beloved boat for weekend excursions. Not to mention his mother, who lives nearby. Not only are they close friends, but Martha West is such an impeccable cook, that I wouldn’t want to be too far from her myself.
Kate Gibbs speaking up for film in Wilmington
The weekend we visited, the film industry held a demonstration to keep production local. West’s girlfriend Kate Gibbs even made the news, speaking up for the cause. It was a relaxing weekend, kicked off by a thunderstorm that knocked out power in West’s neighborhood. It was a welcome event. We lit candles, poured some bourbon and sat on the front porch rockers, catching up.
Fried green tomatoes – classic
We ate at one of the best restaurants I’d ever visited, called Rx. This former pharmacy has a modest look that belies some serious artistry in the kitchen. Our accommodations were beyond compare – we stayed in a guest house fully-equipped with a bathroom and kitchen, and well-decorated interiors.
John West and Kate Gibbs
The best part of the trip however, was the boat ride. We cruised waterways that slid by restaurants and bars. We passed tiny islands that appear and disappear depending on the tide. I almost forgot I was in an industry town until we sped past the modern home which was the setting of Sleeping with the Enemy. We even skirted close to Cape Fear, made famous by the Scorcese thriller starring Robert DeNiro, Jessica Lange and Juliette Lewis.
It was a nice slice of Hollywood, but just a sliver of a slice. Only in the South can one expect a pickled okra in their Bloody Mary!
We luxuriated in the detached guest home – with full kitchen and bath!My favorite room in the home was the foyer, warm and welcoming with an antique lighting fixture.Homemade brunch – Martha’s breakfast casserole, fresh fruit, angel wings, coffee and “Georgia Ice Cream” – AKA grits.A custom painting of three of his dogs hangs over an antique roll desk.A plaque marks the home’s historic status.The devil is in the detail in this fine home.
Urban living in a coveted neighborhood has its perks. Carytown’s tag line is A Mile of Style. The Deiblers’ gorgeous rowhouse affords them a quick walk to boutiques, galleries and Virginia’s largest one-day festival – The Watermelon Festival. With over 115,000 attendees every year, Maegan and Cammeron Deibler find it the perfect time to host an annual open house for friends in the neighborhood.
watermelon cupcakes
Guests wander in throughout the day to escape the heat and enjoy a decadent spread, cool drinks and of course, good company.
watermelon jello shooters
Impeccably designed, the row house is a mix of Colonial and ultra-modern design; exposed brick and crown molding mixed with slate-colored walls and state-of-the-art appliances.
The Deiblers serve rare orange and yellow watermelon, a treasure commonly found at local farmer’s markets.
Pimento cheese sandwiches and deviled eggs are a nod to traditional Southern cuisine.
Even the lemonade must match the watermelon color scheme, as evidenced in the above vintage beverage cart, and below, on the Deibler’s welcoming front porch.
Cammeron Deibler
Next year the Deiblers will have an additional feature at their annual open house – a little bundle of joy. Congratulations to the expectant couple!
With fresh herbs and fruit, you can add an unexpected, summery twist to your meals.
Here are 10 quick tricks:
1) Not only does watermelon taste better in season, but the abundance makes the prices equally delicious! Buy one the size of a duffel bag and eat it with reckless abandon. Even better? Tear up fresh mint and sprinkle it atop. Or add feta and lettuce to make a salad out of it.
fresh-picked figs from our yard
2) Add some life to your water and throw in basil leaves and peach slices. At first the taste will be clean and herbal. Then it will give way to a peachy sweetness.
3) Figs are heaven on their own. But stuffed with goat cheese, drizzled with honey, then broiled for a short bit? I can’t even talk about it.
4) Did you know that strawberries and balsamic vinegar go together like chocolate and peanut butter? True story. Enjoy them on their own, or drizzle strawberries with a sweet balsamic truffle glaze.
5) Take a few generous springs of rosemary and nestle them into the cavity of a chicken. While roasting, it will subtly permeate the bird with flavor.
6) Salads aren’t just for vegetables. A vinaigrette is the perfect accompaniment to salads featuring anything from blueberries to peaches to strawberries.
Grilling out back adds even more summer flavor, and gets you outdoors.
7) Back to water again. Lemon rounds and mint are the freshest-tasting compliments to this sometimes drab drink.
There are myriad ways to enjoy the taste of watermelon this summer.
8) Enough with these fake tacos, filled with ground beef and neon orange cheese. Authentic Mexican packs 10x more flavor and has half the calories. Instead of ground beef, go with marinated grilled steak (carne asada) and top it with onions and the season’s fresh cilantro. Make salsa with ripe summer tomatoes.
9) When grilling kabobs on the barbecue, stack the kabobs with pineapple or peach slices. They grill well, and the smoky sweetness is addictive.
10) Fresh-squeezed grapefruit makes an excellent salad dressing. Drizzle it over greens with some freshly-chopped tarragon, thyme and basil, and enjoy the tart, herbal goodness!
Fayeruz Regan 
