Lulu's Kitchen

09/13/2024

I frequently hung out at Books for Cooks in Notting Hill when I lived in London. It’s always cool to see what’s on the menu and which cookbook was used that day. There was also a great street vendor who roasted coffee beans around the corner and Julie’s Wine Bar that had the best current scones for afternoon teas on Sundays.

So glad to see that the store is still thriving 30+ years later. Always thought it’d be a great idea to replicate someday…

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/TYeepJCbY5DPEtbx/?mibextid=VMBKnz

09/11/2024

What looked like wasn’t going to happen came together so beautifully. Another Lulu’s Kitchen cooking class in the books! 6 people signed up for the class and 9 family members joined the feast!!

09/01/2024

Ready to host another Lulu’ Kitchen cooking class at Flora Farms. We’re aiming for Monday, Sept 9, 4-7 pm but can be flexible based on participants. Send me a note if you’d like to sign up!

07/30/2024

No,no…we are not in France for the Olympics but this is a pretty good runner up winner. 🏅

06/02/2024

A super successful Taiwanese dinner at ! A wonderful team of people helping out with this event! Thanks, Corrine and the rest of the Berryessa Gap team for having us for the International Dinner and wine pairing event again this year!

05/22/2024

Coming up on June 1…get your tickets soon!

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=984478577011953&id=100063494592635&mibextid=cr9u03

05/07/2024

I'm so happy to be invited back to Berryessa Gap Vineyards to be a part of the Global Dinner Series again this year. This year's menu is near and dear to my heart as it will feature dishes from where I grew up...the beautiful island of Taiwan! If you happen to be in the area or looking for a fun adventure in Winters on June 1, come join in on the fun, food and great wines!

https://www.exploretock.com/berryessagapwinery/event/464646/2024-global-dinner-series-2-taiwan

04/11/2024

I’m pretty sure I heard the veggies and flowers calling my name…we’re ready to be harvested by you!

04/05/2024

We’ve gone over the border to host our first cooking class at Flora Farms! So much fun!

04/05/2024

Lulu’s Kitchen first cooking class at Flora Farms was a big success! A feast of senses all served up on a banana leaf platter…fantastic!

03/15/2024

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03/15/2024

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03/14/2024

Just a sampling of the delicious dishes from the first 2 days in Taiwan…amazing!!!

02/29/2024

Spring has sprung in Napa Valley!

You know another cycle is starting in Napa Valley when you see the vineyards turn bright yellow with a sea of mustard flowers. A drive along Silverado Trail right now is a great treat to not only see the fields of mustard flowers but the bright greens of Mayacamas, Howell and Vaca Mountains. In town...

02/26/2024

Another cooking class in the bag! Poke Pandamonium Pop-Up. So much fun!

02/26/2024

Check out my blog post on How To Build Your Own Poke Bowl! https://wix.to/gYJZp0B

Want to have a fun poke bowl party? Do it easily with these 6 steps: Step 1: Pick your base - Rice, lettuce or Chips Tip: If you want the healthy aspect of brown rice but love the taste of white rice, I'd recommend getting Koshihikara Haiga rice. This sushi rice is milled to keep the germ of the ric...

02/23/2024

When life gives you lemons, you make limoncello!

01/28/2024

Learning more about Umbria olive oils and the different cultivars (varietals) with my cousin Ivana De Napoli who is an olive oil sommelier.

1. Warm up the oil in your hands by cupping the glass and swirling the oil
2. Smell the oil to appreciate the aromas - grassy, fresh almond, artichoke, fruity, spicy, bitter
3. A small sip of the oil to taste, sucking in air the amplify the flavors in your mouth. Watch out for the pepper spiciness that can catch in your throat!
4. A small bite of apple and a sip of water helps to cleanse the palate between tastes
5. Pick your favorites and taste it again with bread!
6. Olio Nuevo should be used within a month or so ( usually unfiltered)
7. Good oils should always have a harvest date, not just a use-by date and you should use the oils within 2 years

Just like wines, the same cultivar in the same region can taste so differently, all due to the care and handling by the farmers and artisans! Loved the experience and love my cousin for sharing her expertise with me ♥️

Coming home with loads of 2023 harvest of Tuscan and Umbria EVOO!