Endive with White Bean Dip Recipe

It's exhausting being a celebrity! Ok, maybe I'm not famous, but I felt like I was this weekend. On Saturday I spoke for about 45 minutes to a sold out crowd at the Larkspur Library , and then demonstrated four "no cook" recipes, including one adapted from New Flavors for Appetizers . On Sunday I was at the Palo Alto Williams Sonoma store signing copies of my book. We sold about 40 copies! It was fun chatting with customers and accepting compliments on the two recipes that were being sampled, Chilled Green Pea Soup and Dates Stuffed with Chorizo and Aged Goat Cheese. Both of those just happen to be "no cook" as well. If you'd like to attend my next talk and cooking demonstration at the Larkspur Library it will be on April 4th from 4:30 - 6:30 pm. Tickets are $10 and include a donation to the Friends of the Library, tasting of four appetizers (plus the recipes), St. Supery Sauvignon Blanc and Bionade (non-alcoholic beverage). The recipes I'll be ......

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Book signing at Williams Sonoma

This Sunday, March 8th I will be signing books and offering samples of one of the recipes from New Flavors for Appetizers at the Stanford Shopping Center Williams Sonoma store in Palo Alto from 1 - 3 pm. Please stop by and say hello! Williams Sonoma Stanford Shopping Center 180 El Camino Real, Space 701 Palo Alto, CA 650-321-3486...

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Contigo: First Impression

Is Contigo the next big thing? The future may be unknown, but as the magic eight ball says "signs point to yes." I was one of the few that got a preview of the restaurant and while my expectations were high, having eaten Brett Emerson's food a few times before, I was very impressed. Emerson creates food with big flavors and clearly uses the best ingredients he can find. The staff even in early days, are friendly, helpful and joyful. The menu is divided into small plates "Pica-Pica" and large plates, "Platillos" and is inspired by the cuisine of Spain and Catalunya in particular. The vibe is San Francisco meets Barcelona. On the small plate menu, the Patatas Bravas were the crispiest I have ever had and the aillioli and salsa brava really whet my appetite. Even something as simple as Setas a la Plancha or grilled mushrooms were intensely flavored and delectable. This time of year nothing quite says comfort like a grilled cheese sandwich and Contigo......

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My City

Well it may not be 100 top picks , but The Examiner asked me about a handful of my favorite spots around town. Check it out online to learn where I find homemade sour cream, stock up on candy, enjoy a cocktail, go for Vietnamese soul food and more......

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