Mother's Day Without Breaking the Bank

Oh, boy. Mother's Day is just around the corner (again) and you know what that means. First, shopping for another gift that mom doesn't really want or need. Then, brunch with the family at some overpriced restaurant (probably a buffet that you don't want to indulge in) with poor service and mediocre food. And here I thought honoring your mother was something you did everyday. Silly me. Here are some suggestions to help you battle the need to buy in to what the greeting card companies tell you you must do.

"It's the thought that counts". You've heard it a hundred times, and it is especially true on Mother's Day. I don't know a mom that doesn't care more about the thought that went into the gift than the pricetag of that gift. So get something meaningful, like a photo, make a taped interview of the grandchildren, a box of mom's favorite candy, or just write a poem. These are the kind of gifts most mom's cherish. One of my most memorable Mother's Day gifts was a note one of my kids wrote to me. The gift is long gone, but the note is folded away in a safe place.

So now that you have mom's gift, how will you celebrate? You can always take the family out for a fancy brunch, say the Crown Room at the Hotel Del Coronado (http://www.hoteldel.com/). Their brunch will run you about $75 per person, plus tax and tip. Or, you could try Georges at the Cove in La Jolla (http://www.georgesathecove/), where they have a standard brunch menu that will cost you around $30 per person, plus tax and tip. Or, if you like buffets, the best value might be Belle Fleur in Carlsbad (http://www.bellefleur.com/) at $39.95 for a delicious, hearty meal. Another favorite is Jakes in Del Mar (http://www.jakesdelmar/) for a spectacular view and good food.


My favorite choice for brunch with the family is right at home, either my home or my mom's. To me, this holiday is all about getting together with family, sharing some good food and conversation. When did this holiday become such an extravaganza? A nice home cooked meal suits me just fine. Our family favorite is bagels, cream cheese, lox and other assorted salted fish, plus all the fixings (onions, olives, tomatoes) and fresh squeezed orange juice. There's little chance of getting that meal in San Diego, so I'm off to see family in Los Angeles. There's no shortage of great delis there!

Dinners For Under a Dollar

I tried an experiment several months ago, and this is the last post regarding my findings. I shopped exclusively at the 99cent store(http://www.99only.com/) for several weeks, to see if I could make healthy, delicious meals on a shoestring. Breakfast and lunch were not a problem. Most breakasts were around 50cents, most lunches were under a buck. The challenge was dinner, because the 99cent store does not carry a lot of protein choices. Surprisingly I succeeded, and here are my results.

• 4 ounce chicken breast, mashed potatoes, veggie salad, dinner rolls, pudding. $2per person
• pasta with marinara sauce, garlic bread, salad with veggies, cake. $1.50 per person
• homemade bean and vegetable soup, poached salmon fillet, cucumber and onion salad, pound cake and sliced fruit. $2.25 per person
• ham and cheese fritatta, salad, rolls, fruit or ice cream bar. $2 per person
• chicken tacos, black beans, pound cake. $2 per person
• macaroni and cheese, salad, garlic bread, cupcakes. $1.50 per person
• hot dogs and beans, sauerkraut, pudding or jello. $1.50

In order to achieve the goal of healthy and inexpensive meals, I reduced the amount of protein in my meals, which is actually a really good thing. I was surprised to find chicken and fish fillets at the 99cent store in 4 ounce packets. I did not include any casseroles in the above list, but there are many inexpensive casserole meals that could be put together, but I'll do that at another time...Healthy, delicious, and cheap. That's a combo that can't be beat. You can do it too with a little thought and imagination.

Skillet Apple Charlotte

One of my favorite chefs is Jacques Pepin. I have been watching him for 30 years, but have not seen him on the air since his series with Julia Child. I was delighted to find out he is back on PBS with 26 new shows teaching the viewer how to cook food fast, the Jacques Pepin way. I caught his show last week, and just had to make his quick version of the classic French dessert, Apple Charlotte. From start to finish took about 45 minutes, with only about 20 minutes prep time.

Skillet Apple Charlotte

Ingredients

3-4 Granny Smith apples-peeled, cored and cut into sixths

2 T. pure maple syrup

1 T. honey

3 T. unsalted butter

4 slices white sandwich bread, crusts removed (I used whole wheat)

1 tsp. sugar

3 T. apricot preserves

sour cream or whipped cream for serving

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a 7 or 8 inch ovenproof skillet, arrange apples snugly. Add maple syrup, hone and 2 T. butter and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low, cover and cook about 5 minutes, until apples are tender. Uncover and cook over high heat until liquid is evaporated and the apples are carmelized, about 7 minutes

Arrange the bread slices, spread with butter, sprinkle with sugar, and place over apples. Bake 20 minutes or until bread is toasted. (mine needed only 15 minutes). Invert the charlotte onto a plate.

Microwave apricot preserves for 45 seconds. Spread the preserves over the apples. Cut into wedges and serve with sour cream, whipped cream or ice cream. Delicious

My Sunday Visitor

Sunday was such a beautiful day, I decided to open all the doors and get some fresh air. I got more than I bargained for. I was working at my desk when I heard a continuous "tweet, tweet." A sparrow flew into the house, into the kitchen, and was flying in and out of the blinds, totally disoriented. I am a huge animal lover, so all I wanted to do was get him out of the house quickly, because when they get scared they struggle and can die in a very short time. He was so uncooperative. He finally flew up to the skylight in the kitchen, and fluttered around forever. My husband's idea was to get a trash bag and tape it under the skylight, so that when he fell, he'd fall into the bag. He also thought a butterfly net might be just the prop we needed to catch him.

I was at a loss as to what to do when I decided to call PetSmart and found out that they had a pond net, so I hurried over and bought the net. It turned out to be just the thing. Since it had a very long pole, we were able to catch him right away. We put him outside and he flew right away, no worse for his ordeal. But I'm a wreck. I can't believe the anxiety I had not knowing if we would be able to save him. My husband, on the other hand, caught the bird, then took a nap. No big deal. My 18 year old dog Barney apparently could not see or hear him, as he just sat and watched and wondered what all the fuss was about.

So I didn't save any money today, in fact my wallet is $27 lighter because I had to buy the pond net without a coupon. But there's no price on saving a life!!!

Udderly Delightful

I just spent the afternoon in La Jolla, on a walking tour of the cow exhibit. It is called Cow On Parade, and you can go to their website (http://www.cowparadelajolla.com/) for more information. There are 40 life size cows, decorated by local artists. Most are displayed in the downtown La Jolla area, and can be easily found following the map provided by the web site. After the exhibit is over in June, all cows will be auctioned off with proceeds going to a local hospital. What a great way to spend an afternoon, and it's free. Of course lunch or afternoon coffee in La Jolla is always a great way to finish the day. Unfortunately I had already eaten lunch, but there are so many little restaurants I had never noticed I was sorry I couldn't try one. Let me know if you find something new and exciting.

Shopping on Line

Shopping on line has never been easier, and when you find out how much you can save, you won't want to shop any other way. I recently started exploring some on line shopping stores, and was I ever surprised. I will tell you about a few of the food finds I just discovered.

Omaha Steaks(www.omahasteaks.com) is a company that's been around a long time, and I always associated it with very high prices. I discovered them on line, and I was pleasantly surprised. If you check out their sale items, you can save up to 50% off the regular price. For example, a box of 4 six ounce filet mignon steaks, regularly $83.99, is on sale for $49.99. Four 10 ounce boneless strip steask are now $49.99, and the regualar price was $98.99. (i'm not sure they had a lot of buyers at the regular price!) These are great items to buy for yourself or give as a gifts.

Mrs. Beasley's (www.mrsbeasleys.com) makes gift baskets filled with with cakes, cookies, muffins, etc. I have been buying Mrs. Beasley's for 20 years, as they were located right near my home in Los Angeles. They are now nationwide on line, and are the perfect gift for Mother's Day, Father's Day, Graduation, Housewarming, you name it. The gift is enjoyed by the entire family, and the goodies will be gone in no time. I urge you to check out their website if you've never seen their products. They're wonderful.

Finally, Boca Java(www.bocajava.com) has an on line store with monthly specials and sale items. Check the sale items in particular. Some of the things are practically being given away. They also do beautiful gift baskets for all occasions, and they have a monthly coffee club.

On line shopping is probably not new to you. If you're like me, you've bought from Amazon, J. Crew, I Tunes, etc. But with a bit more searching, you will discover so many, many items of interest to buy online. Be careful, it can be addictive. Look for specials and sale items and have fun exploring.

More Happy Hour Deals

As you know by now, I love a bargain. Some of my favorite restaurants in the Del Mar/Solana Beach area also have some of the best happy hours. All three that I will tell you about today have wine, beer, and mixed drinks at discounted prices, plus appetizers and main courses at very reduced prices. These are not your typical happy hour fare. The restaurants I will tell you about serve gourmet food all the time, including happy hour. Here they are.

Pacific Coast Grill (www.pacificcoastgrill.com) is one of my favorite spots for an early dinner when the weather is warm. I do not suggest going there during the racing season, Mid July through Labor Day, unless you don't mind waiting. Happy Hours is from 4-7 daily, either in the bar area or on the patio. An added feature for dog lovers is that they encourage dogs on the patio. They even have a dog menu, and each dog gets a bowl of water. The $5 gold margaritas are a great way to start. All appetizers are 40%off, but for my buck the meals are the best bargain. Try the delicious burger and fries for $4.95, the bag 'o bones (baby back ribs and fries), or the chicken fajitas for $7.95. Also available are braised short ribs with truffle fries, and on Mondays only, their signature dish, lobster tacos are half off. This is one happy hour you won't want to miss.

The Brigantine in Del Mar (www.brigantine.com) has another great happy hour. The restaurant overlooks the racetrack, thus it is very popular with the track crowd, and always busy, but especially during racing season. Again, happy hour takes place in the bar area from 4-6 daily, and from 4-11 on Tuesday. The house margarita is only $3.50. Other food items include artichoke fritters at $5.00, nachos at $6.00, shrimp cocktail at $8.00, and their signature fish taco for only $2.75. The Brig has lots of atmosphere and a very lively crowd. You won't want to miss it.

Finally, Sbicca in Del Mar (www.sbiccabistro.com) has a happy hour you must try. Except for the fact that it is in the very crowded bar area, everything else is exceptional. It takes place daily from 4-6:30, and you can have a wonderful meal for half what it would cost in the main dining area. For example, fish tacos are $6.50, grilled chicken tortilla salad is $6.50, 1/2 lb. bistro burger is $7.25, turkey cobb salad is $7.25, crab cakes are $6.50, and chicken spring rolls are $5.75. The food here is consistently good and the price is right. So eat a little early and save a lot of money!!

Tony Curtis Salad

Back in the 50's, one of my mom's favorite recipes was something she called Tony Curtis Salad. I think she called it that because the recipe was from Janet Leigh, who said it was something her husband loved. Here it is, modernized, as I use Splenda instead of sugar, to make it 0 weight watchers points and 0 calories. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have. I've been eating it for over 50 years.

Tony Curtis Salad

• 2 cucumbers peeled, sliced VERY thin, and pressed for several hours to remove water (salt sliced cucumbers, put them in a colander with a heavy can on top)
• Dried dill to taste (about 1 tablespoon)
• White wine vinegar (about 3 tablespoons)
• Splenda, or other sweetner- 2 packs
• Red onion, thinly sliced

Mix all ingredients. This is better made a day in advance, to give the cucumbers time to marinate. I use this as a side salad with fish, especially salmon, or just as a snack. It is really delicious and no calories. Obviously if you don't want to use artifical sweetner, just use sugar to taste. To make it a creamy salad, just add a little low fat sour cream. Enjoy.

It's Almost Earth Day

We all need reminders of how important it is to protect our planet. Earth Day certainly raises my consciousness. I have gone green in many ways, but I've got a long way to go. Many large companies are helping us go green, with freebies for Earth Day. Here are a few I found, not nearly as many as I thought would be out there, but something is better than nothing.

Free canvas totes are available on April 22 at the following stores: Fresh and Easy Market (there is one I know of in Vista), Walgreens, and Target. This is the easiest way to eliminate paper and plastic bags from your home. The trick is learning to remember to take the bags into the market once you have them. Leaving them in your trunk doesn't work, as you'll forget them most of the time. I keep two canvas bags on the seat, and put my purse on top of the bags. That makes it hard to forget them.

Starbucks, in their stand alone stores only, will give you a free cup of regular brewed coffee if you bring your own container. That takes place on April 22 only. Bringing your own container is another great habit to acquire. Most coffee shops give free refills if you byo container.

Finally, Home Depot is giving away one EcoSmart compact fluorscent bulb from Sunday, April 19 through Wednesday, April 22.

Just another comment on going green, and that is, check out the show, Living with Ed. It is so much fun to watch. Ed Begley and his wife are constantly trying to help the environment. It is on the Planet Green channel, which is 286 if you have Direct TV. The show is fun to watch and you may even get a few tips.

Restaurant.Com on Sale

I just got the word this morning that restaurant.com (www.restaurant.com) is having their 70% off sale. What that means to you is that the $25 coupons that are usually $10, are now only $3. This sale expires on Monday, April 20, so check it out over the weekend. I just bought a few more coupons for myself to have on hand. Be sure to type in the word "FEAST" to get the big discount. This is a great opportunity to try a new restaurant, and if it's not as great as you expected, you haven't spent a fortune. Enjoy.

Gusto Means Great Taste

In Italian, gusto means taste, and great taste is exactly what you will get at Gusto Trattoria in Encinitas. I first heard about the restaurant while talking to my friend Carol during a water aerobics class. Here we are exercising, and talking about food. Anyway, she told me about Gusto and I tried it out, and have been back several times.

The restaurant itself is housed in a shopping center on Encinitas Blvd, but once you walk into the restaurant, you forget where you are. The interior is warm and inviting. It is small, cozy, but the tables are not crowded together. There is also an enclosed patio. You are immediately warmly welcomed and seated by the owner, who is there every night. I have never waited for a table.

The menu is extensive, and so far everything I have tried has been wonderful. The meal begins with a basket of warm bread and some homemade tomato tappenade. Just delicious, and enough to take the edge off if you're really hungry. There are many appetizers and salads to choose from. I have had the spinach salad with tomatoes, bacon and gorgonzola cheese in a light dressing. It was huge, as are all the salads, which I would recommend splitting. The caesar salad is good too, and also large enough to split. Another salad that I recommend is a shrimp salad with tomatoes, gorgonzola and artichokes in a raspberry vinagrette dressing.

The main courses are comprised of the standard Italian fare. But they also have some inovative specials. I recently had tortelloni filled with spinach and prociutto in a cream sauce which I loved. Also excellent was the spaghettini bolognese. Specials abound, and are worthy of your attention. Trout almondine with veggies and mashed potatoes was outstanding. On another occasion, pork chops and veggies and pasta was delicious. As with the salads, unless you are a big eater, meals can be split. I hear the gnocchi is the best in town.

Desserts, which I haven't tried but look delicious, include tiramisu and lemon meringue tart. Overall, I would give Gusto very high marks for good service, good atmosphere, excellent and inovative food, and moderate prices. The average entrees (fish ,beef, chicken, veal) are around $20. The pasta dishes are around $14. The appetizers vary from $6 to $10. Give Gusto a try next time you want a new Italian experience. I hope you like it.

Happy Birthday to You

Your birthday is a special day, and to make it even more memorable many restaurants and businesses give you something extra. There are so many establishments that offer the birthday boy/man or girl/woman something for nothing, but I will only tell you about a few of the best offers.

Disneyland offers you free admission on your birthday. It is necessary to register on line in advance to qualify for this offer. Hollywood Video offers you a free rental on your birthday.

Dunkin Donuts gives you free ice creme, Krispy Kreme give you a dozen free donuts when you buy a dozen. Cold Stone gives you free ice creme, Subway gives you a free meal with the purchase of another meal.

Sage Grill (www.sagegrill.com) offers a free lobster dinner on your birthday. The catch is you must sign up for their newsletter to be eligible. Check the website. Red Robin gives you a free burger on your birthday. Noodles and Co. gives you a free meal as does Denny's. 31 Flavors offers you free ice cream, and Sammy's gives you a messy sundae on your birthday. Almost any restaurant will give you a free dessert, so I will not mention the numerous restaurants that offer dessert.

One friend of mine spent a full morning signing up for all the birthday clubs she could find. Most of them do not need to be used on the exact day of your birthday, so you can celebrate all month. Check each establishment's website to make sure these specials are available. Any other great places that offer birthday freebies, I would be happy to hear about.

New York, New York

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When I think of New York, I think of great food, great shopping, great theatre and great art. I also think of great hotels, but until now the price of luxury hotels in New York has been out of sight. Things have changed, and I will mention a few places that offer both luxury and affordability.

The Alex Hotel (www.thealex.com offers luxury in midtown Manhattan. The rooms are chic and sophisticated, with flatscreen tv's in all living rooms, bedrooms, and bathrooms. The bathrooms themselves are gorgeous, with limestone counters, large rain showers, and oversized tubs. They are currently offering a weekend rate starting at $299.

The Muse Hotel (www.themusehotel.com) is located near Times Square, so it is perfect for theatre goers. It is done in a contemporary style, small, but efficient rooms, and priced at $224.

The Lowell (www.lowellhotel.com) is one of my favorites, for its personalized service and attention to detail. It is located on the upper eastside, and priced around $250.

Finally, thanks to my friend Marlene for telling me about Radio City Apartments (www.radiocityapartments.com). These are full service apartments, with 24 hour security, contemporary decor, and full kitchens. Many people stay here for extended periods, and the management offers a 20% discount on more than four days if you book directly with the hotel. The apartments are located just off Times Square, within walking distance of many attractions. The same management company manages The Cosmopolitan Hotel (www.cosmohotel.com) on 49th, between 6th and 7th. Priced in the mid $100's, these properties can't be beat. As with all travel deals that I recommend, the prices quoted were available when I checked, but cannot be guaranteed.

So save on your New York hotel, and spend your money on great food and great theatre.

A Quick Getaway

One of my favorite three night getaways, alone, or with friends, is the Oaks at Ojai (www.oaksspa.com). Just four hours by car from San Diego and you'll be in the small town of Ojai, filled with beautiful oak trees, friendly residents, many Spanish style buildings, and mountains everywhere. The town itself is home to many artists and craftsmen, beautiful stores with one of a kind items, and not too far away, there is a hot spring. But I digress. I want to tell you about the spa itself. I have been there many, many times since their grand opening, which I think was in the 1980's.

The Oaks was founded by Sheila Cluff, a vivacious woman in her 70's, who is still actively involved in the spa, although her daughter now manages it. Sheila is often on site leading a 7am walk! The spa is casual, friendly and very professional. The cost is under $200 per person, per night, for food, accomodations, and all activities. The only extra is spa treatments. The Oaks does not have a separate spa, just spa rooms on the main floor of the main building. However, their treatments are among the best I have ever had, and the prices are reasonable. The food is spa cuisine, based on 1200 calories a day, and is pretty good. If you are not interested in weight loss they will give you extra food.

The activities at the Oaks start at 6am with a 5 mile morning hike for those who are really fit. If I recall, they have a picnic breakfast along the way. At 7am there are two walks, one brisk, and one slower paced. The rest of the day is filled with aerobic classes: water aerobics, stretch, yoga, pilates, hoop classes, step classes and meditation. The teachers are top notch, and the spa always has something new. Last time I was there I took my first hula hoop class, a new concept at the time.

Accomodations are good, and they are upgrading constantly to improve them. Originally the rooms were very small and basic, but over the years they have worked hard to improve them, and now even have several suites. I recommend the cabins, not the main building.

Finally, the people who work there, and those that go there on vacation, are warm and friendly. I have gone there alone, and never felt lonely. Someone will always ask you to join them for lunch or dinner. It's a peaceful place for women (there are some men, but I wouldn't recommend it for men) to relieve stress, relax, and maybe even lose a few pounds. All this, and at a price most people can still afford.

More Restaurant Discounts

I love saving 50% on anything. I consider that a great savings. Well, go to Fox 5 San Diego (www.fox5sandiego.com) and you can do just that. Every week Fox 5 offers a 50% discount on one restaurant in San Diego. Each week the new restaurant coupons go on sale on Thursday at 8am. So go to the fox website, and click on "Be Our Guest." That's where you'll get the information about the featured restaurant of the week. I think you'll be happy you did.

If you know of any other tv or radio stations with special promotions like this, please let me know. I want to let everyone know that they can still dine in fine restaurants in these tryingtimes by finding promos like this.

Spring Cleaning

A great way to clean out your pantry and freezer, and save money, is to do what I'm doing right now. Get rid of everything you've had in there for ever and ever, stuff you thought you just had to have but have never used, foods that you bought in large quantities and have never used up. My husband is always bugging me to get rid of all the stuff in the pantry that we don't use.

Well, I decided to try to use only existing foods from my pantry and freezer for a week, and fill in the rest of the shopping with fresh fruit and vegetables. It saved me a ton of money. Some of my meals were a bit unusual. I had large cans of red peppers, why I bought them in the first place I'll never know. But I got a little creative and I made a red pepper dip using pureed peppers, spices, and yogurt. It was very good. I plan to use the rest of the peppers in a pasta dish later in the week. I have four cans of sardines and again I'm wondering how I acquired them in the first place, considering that my husband doesn't like sardines. But I will use them up, one way or another. Perhaps a sardine sandwich for lunch. The point of all this is that we all buy crazy food items that sit in our panty for years sometime, and if you're like me, you don't want to throw them out. So get creative, pull out those unused foods and combine them with whatever else you like for some new and creative meals. Your shopping bill for the week will be much lower and you will have done some well needed spring cleaning in the kitchen.

Coupons Save You Money

One of the easiest ways to save money on dining out, groceries, and entertainment is by using coupons. I never used to pay any attention to coupons, but now I choose where I shop and where I eat by the coupons I have.

We all know about newspaper and magazine coupons, penny saver coupons and value pak coupons that arrive every month in the mail, but there are dozens of web sites that offer nothing but coupons, and many products and restaurants that have coupons on their website. I found a site I think you will like. Check out www.sandiegorestaurants.com/coupons.cfm. It is full of printable coupons for you without having to wade through hundreds of items you're not interested in. It includes many restaurants in the Gaslamp and La Jolla and a few in North County. Soon I will be adding a coupon link to my blog where you can go for printable coupons. It will change as coupons expire. As soon as I figure out how to do it, I'll add it. In the mean time keep looking for coupon specials and let me know about any you think other readers would enjoy.

A Sure Sign of Spring

A sure sign of spring in San Diego is here. The flower fields in Carlsbad have been dormant for close to year, and now they are draped in color. You can barely see the fields from the 5 freeway, as the foliage alongside the freeway has grown so. You really have to get off at Palomar Airport Road to take a closer look, and you should. The best view for me, is from above the flower fields. Take Palomar Airport Road east to Armada Dr, and go north, for about 1/2 mile. There is plenty of parking and a nice area to walk, sit and enjoy the beauty of the flower fields.

Rinoculous must come in every color of the rainbow, and are planted to show the full spectrum of the color chart. On one side of the field the flowers are planted to make an American flag, stars and all. The fields are in bloom for about six weeks, so get over there and enjoy. I don't really think the cart ride through the fields is worth the money. The fields are like an Impressionist painting, much more beautiful from afar.

I Planted a Garden

Many years ago when I lived in Los Angeles, I became a master gardner. The master gardner program is offered at UCLA, and after three months of intensive education, we went out in the community and helped people plant their own garden in community gardens. It was very rewarding work, and helped teach people some valuable skills. Plus, the crops raised saved families a lot of money. Today everyone is getting into vegetable gardening, from the first family to my family. Here are a few ideas for planting that will bring you great results, fresh vegetables, and lots of savings.

1. Plant vegetables that are expensive in the market. I planted tomatoes, yellow crookneck squash, japanese eggplant, basil and flat parsley. (i have a very small area) Vegetables like carrots and radishes and green onions which are relatively inexpensive, I did not plant.

2. Plant in containers or the ground, it does not matter. Tomatoes do very well in containers, as do herbs. Many of us have a small space, or only a patio, so container gardening is great.

3. Do not crowd your plants. Tomatoes get very large, so plan for them to need 2-3 feet in diameter. Use either a cage or a trellis or a wall to tie up plants as they mature. You do not want your tomatoes dragging on the ground. Squash does very well, and is very prolific. One zucchini plant will give you more than you can eat.

4. Most vegetables need full sun, the exception being lettuce. I have grown lettuce very successfully, but it may need to be shaded from full sun or it can burn. You can make a little sunblocker to go over it.

5. For best results, plant vegetables a few weeks apart. For example, if you are planting three tomato plants, plant one now, another in three weeks, and so on. This will keep your crop going well into the fall.

Other vegetables that do well in southern california are artichokes (they are perennials and take a while to get started), swiss chard, pole beans, cucumbers, all squash, peppers, most herbs.

I believe that with a small garden you can save hundreds of dollars over the course of a summer and of course eat the freshest vegetables. Finally, the satisfaction you will get from growing your own food is PRICELESS!

Five Star Dining in South Coast Plaza

To me, dining out is about more than food. It's the ambience and service, and how the whole experience makes you feel. I feel fantastic after spending two hours at Charlie Palmers (http://www.charliepalmer.com/) in Bloomingdales, South Coast Plaza. The restaurant itself is something to behold. It is very contemporary, with lots of glass, wood floors,colorful glass panels as art inside, and beautiful furnishings. Chairs are large, in beige and brown, and beautifully styled. The lighting is bright, chandelliers are stainless steel, and the noise level is moderate.

Charlie Palmers is just one of thirteen restaurants in South Coast Plaza that participated in a one week promotion to help introduce new patrons to their restaurants. I went for lunch, where a three course meal was $20. Everything was deluxe. Cold pea soup with shrimp was bright green, and served in a beautiful white bowl. Another starter was frisee and other assorted lettuce with goat cheese salad. The bread served throughout the meal was fresh and crusty. Small baguettes, olive rolls, and whole wheat rolls appeared throughout the meal, without being asked.

The main course was a choice of salmon or chicken. I had the salmon, pan fried, then finished in the oven, and perfectly cooked. It was topped with thin, very sweet onions. The salmon was served with a curried squash and a delicious yogurt sauce, artifully displayed on the plate. The chicken was roasted to perfection, served with rice and mushrooms.

Finally, the dessert was served on a beautiful white plate, with three different chocolate delectables. A small chocolate souffle, a piece of chocolate fudge topped with rasperry, and a scoop of chocolate gelato.

The whole experience was delightful, and definitely a restaurant worth the ride. Wine lovers will be delighted in the large wine cellar and many food and wine events. Also of interest are the many cooking classes, most are $75, which at first glance sounds expensive, but the class is followed by a three course meal. Be sure to check their web site for specials, as their regular menu is more expensive. You may want to keep your eyes open for upcoming specials. This is certainly a special occasion restaurant, and I hope you have an opportunity to try it.

March Madness Munchies

March Madness will end on Monday, and one thing we know for sure, the game will be exciting. Part of the fun of watching sports on TV is the eating and drinking that accompanies the game. I have a great recipe for munching, and it is healthy.

Last week I bought a bag of small white beans at the 99cent store for minestrone soup, which was part of my $1.00 lunch experiment. I had plenty of beans left over, so for about $.50, I made the following recipe, which I hope you will like.

White Bean Hummus with Pita

2 cups white beans cooked and drained (or you can use canned beans, drained)

2T. tahini (available in Middle Eastern markets or International section of market)

2T. lemon juice

2 cloves minced garlic (or more, depending on taste)

2 tsp. dried oregano

1 tsp. sage

salt and pepper, to taste

Combine all ingredients in blender and pulse until desired consistency is achieved. You can puree it very well, or keep it a bit chunky. Your choice. Serve with pita chips, sliced pita bread, or veggies. You may need to add a little water to thin, or a little more lemon juice. Enjoy.

Summer Cruising to Alaska

It's not too early to start thinking about summer, and cruising has never been more affordable. If you avoid July and August, cruises to Alaska can be very economical. If you've never been, now is the time to go. Due to melting ice, it is reported by people who were there ten years ago that the landscape has changed drastically.

Princess (www.princesscruises.com) has some fantastic offers. A seven day Voyage of the Glaciers fares start at $349 for an inside cabin, $699 for outside cabins with balcony. They also throw in a small shipboard credit.

Celebrity Cruises (www.celebritycruises.com)has some good deals, too. A seven day Inside Passage cruise in June is $908 for an ocean view cabin, which includes a shipboard credit.

Holland America (www.hollandamericacruises.com) has a similar cruise in June with ocean view cabins starting at $699, plus a shipboard credit.

There are numerous other cruise lines in Alaska in the summer months, both large and small. Many people prefer the smaller ships for a very different experience. My favorite company is Cruise West (www.cruisewest.com). They focus more on shore excursions and lectures by naturalists. The accomodations are usually more basic and there is very little entertainment. Their motto is "up close and personal." Whichever cruise you choose, get out and see these natural wonders while they're still here.

Hotel Deals in Chicago

Chicago is a great city to consider for a quick getaway. The hotel deals available now will make the Windy City even more affordable. Here are a few of the current specials to be found in several price ranges.

Hotel Indigo (www.goldcoastchicagohotel.com) is found in an historic neighborhood near Michigan Avenue. This is a boutique hotel, small and tasteful. Prices start around $145.

Hotel Felix (www.hotelfelixchicago.com) is an upscale hotel, very contemporary, with intimate luxury. It is smokefree and eco friendly. Prices start at$129.

Conrad Chicago (www.conradhotels.hilton.com) is a very upscale hotel on Michigan Avenue. Rooms are tastefully decorated and all have flatscreen tv. There is a rooftop lounge with a beautiful view of the city. Rooms can be had for $175.

Sofitel Chicago Water Tower (www.sofitel.com) also on Michigan Avenue, is right in the heart of the shopping district. Their contemporary, sleek decor is beautiful to the eye, and the great workspace in each room is very functional. Rooms start at $175.

Finally, The Peninsula and the Four Seasons, two very deluxe properties, have rooms starting at $375. So treat yourself to a great getaway. Chicago offers great mixture of art, architecture, food, music and theatre. And, the weather is great for the next few months!