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PartySugar's Top 10 Moments Found in Aspen

partysugar — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 15:00:57 -0700

It's hard to say good-bye to a long weekend of fabulous food and wonderful wine. However, the Food and Wine Classic in Aspen ended last Sunday and until next June, I won't come into contact with any festival as fantastic. To commemorate the occasion, I've rounded up my top 10 favorite Aspen moments. From complex sushi rolls to French piña coladas, check out my list below and click though for all the magnificent photos.

Chatting with Gail Simmons at the CIA awards dinner
We hadn't seen Gail since her last visit to San Francisco, so it was great to catch up with her at this event. Topics of conversation: the location of Top Chef Season 5 (New York City!) and her upcoming nuptials.
Gerard Craft's chicken liver terrine at the Best New Chefs Dinner
This delicious bite was insanely balanced: rich, crunchy, sweet, and salty.
Chatting with Rocco DiSpirito at the David Chang party
After I interviewed him, Rocco and I spoke later that evening over lettuce wraps and pork buns. We both agreed living alone in a big city is expensive!
Toni Abou-Ganim's party punches and sangria class
Learning how to make party drinks from a master was informative and entertaining. I caught his attention when I was the only one in the audience who knew grenadine is made from pomegranates instead of cherries!
Getting ham from Jose Andres
During his demo, I answered all of Chef Andres' questions correctly (little did he know I lived in Spain for two years!). He rewarded me with a piece of fresh sliced jamon.

To discover what else made my list, plus a gallery of images, just read more.

Sunning with sparkling rosé outside the tents
I enjoyed the Spanish sparkling rosé so much I asked the girl to pour me an entire glass, so I could sip in the sun.
Watching Morimoto make sushi
During his demo, Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto made a complex, multistep sushi roll. The roll was so geometric it looked more like a piece of art than food.
The after-pool party at the Sky Hotel
After Sunday's final grand tasting everyone whose anyone headed to the after party at the pool at the Sky hotel. I sipped cocktails made by the Modern Mixologist and got cozy with Hung Huynh's sous chef Kenny.
Puerto Rican pork and piña coladas
The Puerto Ricans made an insanely refreshing French piña colada that paired perfectly with their fresh-cut pork. Chambord was swirled into the classic colada giving it a chic presentation and sophisticated flavor.
Bobby Flay's uberentertaining demo
Learning how to make burgers from one of America's most loved chefs was something I will never forget.

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YumSugar's Top 10 Things Found in Aspen

YumSugar — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 10:15:15 -0700

During the three days PartySugar and I spent at this year's Food and Wine Classic, we came across a lot of amazing and tasty things. From pork to peas, we were treated to some of the best food from some of the most amazing chefs on the planet. It was a difficult task, but I've rounded up my top 10 favorite things. Read them below and then be sure to click through for all the pictures.

David Chang's Pork Party (specifically the pork buns)
We were lucky enough to attend the David Chang and friends after-party on Saturday night. The highlight was chowing down on his pork buns and wraps, and then learning that there was also crab and whole roasted piglets.
Ming Tsai with tofu on his face
During his cooking demonstration, Ming got a piece of tofu on his face. When he looked at the mirror (which was facing the crowd) he said, "I can't see it, all I see is white people."
Jose Andres cooking with his 9-year-old daughter Carlota
He has such a great personality and is so much fun to watch. Having his daughter help on stage made it even more fun.
Jeremy Fox's Best New Chef dish
I was a bit dubious about the Best New Chef's pea, mint, white chocolate, and macadamia nut concoction, but it was so delicious! I couldn't stop eating them, PartySugar practically had to pull me away from the the table.

To discover what else made my list, plus a gallery of images, just read more.

The gorgeous weather and scenery
I had never been to Aspen before, and what you hear is true. It is absolutely gorgeous there.
The Puerto Rican pig party during the tasting
On the last day of the event, the Puerto Rico booth celebrated by bringing in an entire pig on a spit. They also brought their own traditional band, creating a dance party right in the center of the tent.
Laura Werlin's Raw Cheese class
I had the opportunity to take a class with cheese guru Laura Werlin. At 11 a.m. I already had eight amazing cheeses and three glasses of wine.
Talking to Wylie Dufresne about pork
At the David Chang party, Chef Dufresne was serving up roasted pork. I wanted to shake his hand, but it was dripping with pork fat.
The banter between Tom and Padma
Tom and Padma held a cooking demonstration where they each cooked dishes, and bickered like old pals. At one point Padma even referred to Tom as her TV husband.
Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto walking around with a humongous fish slung over his shoulder.
The picture pretty much says it all.

View 16 Photos ›

Hottest Men On Food Network

YumSugar — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 08:01:31 -0700

The other day Stuff Magazine created their list of the top ten hottest women of Food Network. Many of you thought their list wasn't quite right, but the rest of you thought we should come up with our own list of the top ten hottest men of Food Network. When I mentioned this idea to PartySugar, she quickly agreed and handed over her list. After a little bit of tweaking (I really wanted Alton higher on the list!), we finally settled on our top 10.

#10 - Robert Irvine
The host of Dinner: Impossible always manages to whip up a meal while under pressure. His fast thinking ways, body builder physique and British accent have garnered him a spot on our list.

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#9 Emeril Lagasse
Despite his success and his "BAM"itude, Emeril is devoted to great food and fresh ingredients. His toothpaste ads may have pushed him down a few notches, but his passion for getting everyone in the kitchen solidifies his place on this list.

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#8 Duff Goldman
In addition to owning and operating Charm City Cakes, he's also a sculptor, artist and musician. Besides, any man that can cook up fancy wedding cakes has earned a place on this list.

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#7 Bobby Flay
Bobby's bad-boy attitude (remember when he stood on the cutting board during Iron Chef?), charm and grill skills makes him a rock-solid addition to this top ten list.

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For the rest of the list, read more

#6 Michael Chiarello
If you're not careful, Chiarello will charm your socks off. His local food loving, grape growing and down-to-earth self (not to mention his adorable smile) is enough to make any gal swoon.

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#5 Mario Batali
Mario is a wonderful educator whose passion oozes out of every pore. His cuddly teddy bear looks and the fact that he hob knobs with celebrities are just added bonuses. Oh and I know you all don't agree with me, but I love the fact that he wears shorts and bright orange crocs.

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#4 Dave Lieberman
With his boyishly good looks and culinary talent, Mr. Lieberman is often called "America's Naked Chef." Oh and any man that loves a good deal earns bonus points in my book.

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#3 Alton Brown
If I had my way, Alton would've been the top of the list, however I know his know-it-all dorky attitude isn't for everyone. Personally I love how everything in his kitchen can be explained with props and that I always feel smarter after hanging out with him. Oh and he broke his collarbone all in the name of good eats, how hot is that?!

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#2 The Deen Brothers
Two for the price of one! The dynamic duo known as Bobby and Jamie Deen travel around the country hoping to educate viewers on unique and interesting products. Their frat-boy looks and Southern charm make them memorable, and their soft cuddly insides and tough exterior make them just like their mama's deep fried butter balls!

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#1 Tyler Florence
I think that almost every lady watching Food Network has had a mini-crush on Tyler at some point in time. Whether he's boiling water, or making a delicious Sunday roast, Tyler's boy-next door looks and fantastic personality just light up the screen. His perspective in the kitchen is amazing - he knows what people want to eat and how to make them want to make it. For that he earns the number one spot on our list!

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Top Chef Vegas: Episode 10

partysugar — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:30:24 -0700

Things are winding down on the sixth season of Top Chef Vegas. After last night's episode only six cheftestants remain. Instead of a guest judge that's a chef, the actress Natalie Portman decides the fate of the competitors. It was all about vegetarian food. Did you watch? Let's discuss it after the break.

You've Got Mail!

YumSugar — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 04:17:31 -0800

Whenever I see something I like - such as these root beer float cupcakes - I have a tendency to share it with all of my friends. Well, according to the geeks you guys do the same thing! I had them pull some info for us and we discovered which stories were the most emailed of 2007. Here, from top to bottom, are the top ten emailed stories of 2007. Oh and is anyone else detecting a pastry theme here?

So what do you think? Did you email any of these around?

Yummy Links: From Grant Achatz to Top 10 Lists

partysugar — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 06:50:28 -0700

An inside look at Grant Achatz's yet-to-be-released memoir. - Eater
Be inspired by a gorgeous Pucci-esque dessert bar- Hostess With the Mostess
Did you know mint is a widely used ingredient in Italian cooking? - Serious Eats
Before the season ends, you must make this strawberry dumpling. - Gourmet
Love it or hate it: Sir Francis Bacon Peanut Brittle? - Eat Me Daily
Serve a grilled vegetable sandwich with egg salad and bacon at your next brunch. - Chow
Has Twitter killed the fast food restaurant industry? - The Feedbag
Be sure to check out this hilarious list of the Top 10 Top 10 Food Lists. - Endless Simmer

Source

Yummy Links: Top Ten Candy Destinations

YumSugar — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 05:33:13 -0700

Round up your sweet teeth and get ready for a road trip. Here are the top ten U.S. candy destinations. - Sugar Savvy

Top 10 Food Trends for 2007

YumSugar — Wed, 02 May 2007 08:57:32 -0700

The Institute of Food Technologists (yep such a place exists) has come up with the Top 10 Food Trends for 2007. From upscale at home, to snacking on your own, the 2007 trends are definitely diverse and definitely speak to our ever changing society.

Since the IFT document is actually 39 pages long, I thought I'd help you out by giving you a general overview.

Dining at Home - 75% of people polled said that they preferred to eat in (at least 5 nights a week). They liked this because they thought homemade food to be healthier. However the rise of take out and to-go meals are on the rise too.
Food as Fun - 8 out of 10 diners "trade up" when dining out and splurge on premium, gourmet and exotic foods. Plus, celebrity chefs are just as famous as some movie stars.
Convenient Products - With schedules getting busier and busier, people are looking for fresh, ready-to-eat food such as salads, precut veggies, pouches of tuna, skillet meals, single servings and more.
Food "Sense" - Expect more foods with strong aromas, bigger crunch, crispiness, and freshness.
Kids Rule - Parents are becoming more aware of the growing obesity rate in children. More companies are working on new and healthy snacks created just for kids.

To see the other 5 Food Trends, read more

Free, Free, Free - I'm talking about fat free, caffeine free, sugar free, gluten free, etc. The market for "free" products has been going strong and continues on for 2007.

Eating Local - The slowfood movement is gaining momentum. People are eating locally, seasonally and are watching their "foodmiles" - the new buzzword that means the number of miles food travels from field to table.
Just What the Doctor Ordered - More than 1/3 of Americans are now basing their food purchases upon advice from their doctors.
Unique Beverages - What have I been telling you guys all along? Flavored waters, innovative teas and new energy sodas are all the rage this year.
Snacky Snacks - Snacks and mini-meals are the biggest trend in the restaurant world. Taco Bell has even launched a campaign promoting the "Fourth Meal" - the one between dinner and breakfast. Plus traditional snacks are changing too, instead of cheese flavor, we'll now have three cheese flavored items.

So what do you guys think of this list? Is there anything you think should be here?

Source: Food Mall

What's Yummy This Week - YumSugar Weekly Recap

YumSugar — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 09:30:20 -0700

Bacon-wrapped dates may just be the world's most perfect sweet-salty combo.
Quiz: what do you know about the Food Network's newer chefs?
Oktoberfest starts this weekend, and Party kicks it off with a German meal at her haus.
Ten ways to make it rain meatballs after watching the new movie.
Ring in the Jewish New Year with sweet honey cake.
Were you in the know about this week's Top Chef battle on the range?
Ten meatless starters that are always tops for entertaining.

Yummy Links: From Bobby Flay to Chicken McConfit

partysugar — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 06:50:23 -0700

Bobby Flay may be the world's worst horse race caller. - Grub Street
Find out where Bernie Madoff used to eat. - Eater
Got old school photos of your parents partying? Send them here. - Keggers of Yore
The nation's top 10 food trucks. - GQ
Must make: caramelized onion, potato, and blue cheese tart. - Serious Eats
Ten ways to barter for food. - Chow
Meet Rani Cheema, the lady who makes the Food Network's fake food labels. - Sunny Anderson
The latest trend to hit the beverage scene? Bartenders who farm. - Gourmet
Learn how to turn chicken McNuggets into chicken McConfit. - The Feedbag