YumSugar

Yummy Links: From Kim Cattrall to White Gold

YumSugar — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 06:31:19 -0700

This year's James Beard Awards will be hosted by Kim Cattrall. If you're wondering why, I should mention that her boyfriend is chef Alan Wyse, so maybe it's not such a crazy stretch? - Eater
Bypass the supermarket and buy your meat direct. - Chow
Clean up your act with this recipe for homemade silver polish. - CasaSugar
Who Cooked it Better? Rachael Ray or Giada De Laurentiis? - Endless Simmer
Get tips on eco-friendly entertaining. - GlamDish
Discover new drinks to try this summer. - iVillage
Discover a simple and healthy cappuccino dessert. - FitSugar
Meet White Gold, the band in the the latest wacky milk ads. - Serious Eats

Simple Tip: Pre-Sort Your Silverware

YumSugar — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 14:28:31 -0700

Here's a simple tip that will leave you saying, "Doh! Why didn't I think of that!"

For some reason, unloading the dishes is one of my least favorite chores. That's why I'm always looking for ways to make it go by faster. I'm sure some of you have thought of this idea before, but it just came to me the other day. Instead of spending time sorting your silverware when unloading, why not separate it when loading the dishwasher. All the spoons in one, all the forks in another and voila! When it's time to unload the dishes, all you have to do is grab each section at a time. No more annoying sorting for you!

Party Foul: Not Enough Utensils

partysugar — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 15:29:33 -0800

I recently attended a small potluck dinner at a girlfriend's house. Seven of us were in attendance, yet only four forks could be found in the kitchen!

I didn't say anything when I helped serve the Champagne in a martini glass, a beer mug, and a mix of random wine glasses. I didn't say anything when we sat down to eat and had to share chairs. However, it was really hard NOT to say anything when there wasn't enough silverware, especially when five people live there! How could they only have four forks?

If you are going to invite people into your house for a meal, be prepared to serve them properly. Being in college or having just graduated is no excuse. If you lack enough silverware purchase plastic utensils, ask to borrow from a friend, or serve a finger food menu!

Have you ever been in a similar situation? What would you do if there wasn't enough silverware?

Source

It's a Spoon, It's a Plane, It's a Spoon Plane!

YumSugar — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 03:31:39 -0700

If you've got a little guy or gal in your life and hope that they'll one day enjoy traveling and eating, you might want to start them off with this cute Baby Plane Spoon. It'll add a bit of travel excitement to each meal and their appetites will be up, up and away! If nothing else at least those plane noises you make will make sense now... Available for $15.00.

Come Party With Me: Farmers Market Feast - The Look

partysugar — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 10:30:53 -0700

Turn your patio or backyard into an inviting and eclectic dining space for a meal inspired by the freshness of the farmers market. Set up a wooden table and put a placemat in front of each seat. Place a blue plate, napkin, low glass tumbler, and silverware on the placemats. Avoid being matchy matchy; instead mix prints and patterns all in the same color scheme. Arrange different-sized recycled metal lanterns into a centerpiece. To ensure that guests don't have to make a trip back inside for a cold beverage, fill a barrel cooler with ice, wine, and carafes of watermelon-rum mash. Skip the fancy floral arrangements normally associated with dinner parties. Head to a local home store and pick up some plantable flowers like petunias.

Place them in planters boxes near the dining area and you'll enjoy them all Summer long!

Source

Come Party With Me: Passover - The Look

partysugar — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 09:15:10 -0700

Passover revolves around a traditional ceremony at a dining table, so take the time to set the table a couple of days before the dinner party. Cover the table with a printed satin gray tablecloth. Place a plate in front of each seat and top it with a gray napkin (preferably one that matches the tablecloth) rolled into a silver napkin ring. Use your best flatware and properly set the silverware with the forks on the left of the plate and the knife to the right of the plate. A spoon is necessary for enjoying the matzo ball soup - it goes on the outside of the knives. White wine and red wine glasses belong on the upper right side of the plate. For an intimate glowing atmosphere, light low candles. Fill a silver vase with flowing white flowers and make the Seder plate the centerpiece and focal point.

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What Would You Do?

YumSugar — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 14:00:22 -0700

We've all been in crazy situations, and I want to know how you handle entertaining fiascoes and bad restaurant behavior. I'll present a situation and you tell me what you would do. Here's today's scenario:

You and a friend have sidled up to the bar at a small French bistro famous for burgers. You share the burger and a bowl of mussels, which are so good, you want to enjoy them to the last bite. But before you're finished eating, the waiter starts accosting you with polite, yet passive-aggressive questions like, "May I take your plate? Are you done with that?" You're still working on the mussels, but the shell plate - and all your silverware - get cleared without asking! After a few attempts to finish your meal sans utensils, you finally throw in the napkin.

Following the aggressively rushed service, you receive your bill, and want to tip accordingly. That's when you realize that the bistro's lone server is standing over you, watching you fill in the gratuity on the bill. What would you do?

To find out what I did - yes, it happened to me at a San Francisco hot spot! - read more.

Despite the server's rushed attitude, I refused to crack under the pressure. After all, I had already finished my meal before I was ready! My friend and I waited for what seemed like an eternity before he walked away and then signed our checks, which, it goes without saying, reflected the terrible service.

What do you think about the way in which the situation was handled? How would you have reacted if it happened to you?

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Come Party With Me: Indian Dinner - The Look

partysugar — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 09:15:57 -0800

With a few simple touches, it's easy to transform your dining room into an exotic Indian escape. Start by purchasing a beautiful piece of sari fabric and use this to cover the table. Next set the table with gold chargers and white plates. White napkins are simple yet chic when tucked into snake-like spiral napkin rings.

Silverware with gold stems are lux without being over the top. Select a versatile glass, like a wide goblet, that can hold beer, wine, and cocktails. Taj lanterns in an array of vibrant colors are functionally fabulous at creating an entrancing atmosphere. A bouquet of fresh flowers in a bright hue is a necessary final detail.

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Come Party With Me: Valentine's Dinner For Two - The Look

partysugar — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 09:15:14 -0800

When hosting a special dinner for your sweetie, don't be afraid to rearrange the furniture. I think it's most romantic to sit side by side at a long, bar-like table. The place settings should be the focal point. Start with textured red placemats. Serve the main course on white plates and the chocolate strawberry cupcakes on plates with a swirly heart design. Since it's a celebration (of your love!), use the good silverware. Set out both champagne flutes and red wine glasses. Create a glowing atmosphere with dimmed lights and candles in red votives. A bouquet of shocking pink roses is the perfect centerpiece.

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Crate and Barrel Flatware Stockings: Love It or Hate It?

YumSugar — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 04:00:52 -0800

Napkins not festive enough for you? Then tuck your holiday silverware into one of these Crate and Barrel Felt Flatware Stockings ($12.95). Cute, or too close to socks for comfort?