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With Jeff Baker
April 17,2011
My Day with the MTV Crowd
Thanks to the folks at ifood.tv, this middle-aged cooking show host had a chance to regain part of his youth last weekend as I drove out to Coachella California, home of the annual, world famous music festival. Once I got within a few miles of the site, I saw hundreds of flip-flop wearing, bare bellied, incredibly fit-looking young people making their way down the street. They weren't heading to the polo grounds where the festival is held, but to off-site, cool-down parties typically held in the vicinity. I was scheduled to visit the Belve Music Lounge, sponsored by Belvedere Vodka.
With one hand on the wheel, and the other juggling my Thomas guide, I carefully maneuvered down a crowded road and turned into a residential cul-de-sac. Once past security, I followed a parade of luxury cars into the circular driveway of an elaborate mini-mansion that was undoubtedly the party place. My Ford Focus might have fit in better had I replaced its missing hubcap, or at least cleaned out the back seat (I did offer a half-eaten bag of Cheetos to the valet). With that, I stuffed my notepad into the pocket of my button-downed shirt, sucked in my gut, and headed for the wristband kiosk where I learned that displaying my ID wouldn't be necessary. A young hostess offered to help me strap the thing on (she must have detected my failing eyesight and waning dexterity). I then followed a group of bikini-clad ladies alongside a well-landscaped path leading toward the rear yard (God forbid one of them look back and say something like "Hey Mister, didn't you used to coach my pee-wee softball team? Just in case, I kept my eyes high).
Before even reaching the rear yard, I was impressed by the sound system. Evidently Belvedere had spared no expense for this music lounge. Over the din of the crowd, a DJ pumped out the music my kids listen to. The impeccably trimmed lawn served as the perfect lounge-about for even more swimwear-clad young people. Back near the house, guests lined the pool deck with feet dangling in the refreshing blue water. Most of them were cradling - you guessed it - vodka drinks. There were Bloody Marys and fruit mixers, which looked quite inviting in the afternoon sun, but those icy, shimmering vodka tonics really caught my eye. (Okay, Martha Stewart doesn't want anybody to drink them until Memorial Day, but when you're in the middle of the desert, and the mercury is hovering in three-digit territory, one can ignore the calendar). My Hush Puppies lead me toward one of several bars, where friendly tenders poured their hearts out for thirsty oasis-goers.
While mixed drinks are appropriate for poolside, I prefer my vodka European style - straight up. Belvedere has a smooth taste and subtle-citrus essence that is quite acceptable for this variety of ingestion. This rye-distilled spirit from Poland seems to have something for everyone. Even my die-hard, martini-loving friends might consider less dirty water if they shake or stir using this particular vodka.
Later I enjoyed some fine barbeque and live music while watching the Belvedere Bikini team pose with guests (some "cool down" party). Overall, the Belve Music Lounge was a fun experience that I'd recommend to all ages over twenty-one. Next year I'll bring my cut-offs and zinc cream.
My Day with the MTV Crowd
Thanks to the folks at ifood.tv, this middle-aged cooking show host had a chance to regain part of his youth last weekend as I drove out to Coachella California, home of the annual, world famous music festival. Once I got within a few miles of the site, I saw hundreds of flip-flop wearing, bare bellied, incredibly fit-looking young people making their way down the street. They weren't heading to the polo grounds where the festival is held, but to off-site, cool-down parties typically held in the vicinity. I was scheduled to visit the Belve Music Lounge, sponsored by Belvedere Vodka.
With one hand on the wheel, and the other juggling my Thomas guide, I carefully maneuvered down a crowded road and turned into a residential cul-de-sac. Once past security, I followed a parade of luxury cars into the circular driveway of an elaborate mini-mansion that was undoubtedly the party place. My Ford Focus might have fit in better had I replaced its missing hubcap, or at least cleaned out the back seat (I did offer a half-eaten bag of Cheetos to the valet). With that, I stuffed my notepad into the pocket of my button-downed shirt, sucked in my gut, and headed for the wristband kiosk where I learned that displaying my ID wouldn't be necessary. A young hostess offered to help me strap the thing on (she must have detected my failing eyesight and waning dexterity). I then followed a group of bikini-clad ladies alongside a well-landscaped path leading toward the rear yard (God forbid one of them look back and say something like "Hey Mister, didn't you used to coach my pee-wee softball team? Just in case, I kept my eyes high).
Before even reaching the rear yard, I was impressed by the sound system. Evidently Belvedere had spared no expense for this music lounge. Over the din of the crowd, a DJ pumped out the music my kids listen to. The impeccably trimmed lawn served as the perfect lounge-about for even more swimwear-clad young people. Back near the house, guests lined the pool deck with feet dangling in the refreshing blue water. Most of them were cradling - you guessed it - vodka drinks. There were Bloody Marys and fruit mixers, which looked quite inviting in the afternoon sun, but those icy, shimmering vodka tonics really caught my eye. (Okay, Martha Stewart doesn't want anybody to drink them until Memorial Day, but when you're in the middle of the desert, and the mercury is hovering in three-digit territory, one can ignore the calendar). My Hush Puppies lead me toward one of several bars, where friendly tenders poured their hearts out for thirsty oasis-goers.
While mixed drinks are appropriate for poolside, I prefer my vodka European style - straight up. Belvedere has a smooth taste and subtle-citrus essence that is quite acceptable for this variety of ingestion. This rye-distilled spirit from Poland seems to have something for everyone. Even my die-hard, martini-loving friends might consider less dirty water if they shake or stir using this particular vodka.
Later I enjoyed some fine barbeque and live music while watching the Belvedere Bikini team pose with guests (some "cool down" party). Overall, the Belve Music Lounge was a fun experience that I'd recommend to all ages over twenty-one. Next year I'll bring my cut-offs and zinc cream.
April 20,2011
David's Bacon Carbonara: While I was in Seattle I visited my Brother-in-law David. He treated Donna and I to a tasty bacon carbonara. This is an easy recipe that the whole family will enjoy:
Bacon, mushrooms, and green onions are the key ingredients.
To see the full recipe click here
David's Bacon Carbonara: While I was in Seattle I visited my Brother-in-law David. He treated Donna and I to a tasty bacon carbonara. This is an easy recipe that the whole family will enjoy:
Bacon, mushrooms, and green onions are the key ingredients.
To see the full recipe click here