[VIDEO] Cynthia Explores Community Shared Agriculture in California

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Cynthia enjoys her Community Shared Agriculture (CSA) organic produce at Fairview Gardens in Santa Barbara, California

Check out this short video on my wonderful experience as a CSA member
(Community Shared Agriculture) at Fairview Gardens, one of the oldest organic farms in California. With increased national interest in eating locally grown organic foods for one’s health, the environment and supporting your local farmers, a CSA program is a great and affordable way to ‘eat like a Mediterranean’. The Mediterranean diet, largely plant-based, has been proven scientifically to be one of the healthiest diets in the world.

» Link to video

Check out RomancingTheTable.com for recipes, tips and watch me explore the cuisine of the Mediterranean (on location) with our #1 New York Times’ About.com Culinary-Travel DVD, A Greek Islands Destinations Cooking Class (DVD), filmed in Santorini, Greece. For women’s wellness tips, check out my Amazon.com Top Selling book, Diary of A Modern Day Goddess.

For more information on Fairview Gardens visit FairviewGardens.org.

To find a local Farmer’s Market or CSA program near you, visit LocalHarvest.org

  An Affordable Date Night Luxury Staycation at The Hadsten House Inn & Spa in California

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At the Hadsten House Inn & Spa affordable doesn’t have to mean without luxury. Whether you are a searching for an affordable staycation where you vacation locally or you are traveling from out of town to visit the beautiful Santa Barbara wine country/Santa Ynez Valley of California – The Hadsten House Inn & Spa is delightful destination/staycation.

After noticing an ad in the newspaper that the Hadsten House Inn & Spa in nearby Solvang was offering specials, I did further research. Their special one-night dinner package included lodging, dinner for two at their restaurant, wine and cheese in the afternoon and a buffet breakfast ($189 during the week and $259.00 on a weekend (double occupancy). I also discovered that the Hadsten House Inn was a former motel that underwent a year long renovation to transform it into what their website describes as a “luxury boutique lodging destination.”

Since my husband James and I had many “home dinner dates” and we had just completed major work projects, we thought an “extended date night” getaway at the Hadsten House Inn would be ideal.

My husband and I always look forward to our weekly date nights. On Sunday, we sit down for 10 minutes to discuss the activities of the upcoming week and to schedule our mid-week together time and our weekly date night. Each week, we alternate who plans the date night. The person in charge either makes dinner or makes a reservation and also selects the entertainment. We make sure to discuss the ideas with each other to make sure we’ll both enjoy the plans. Many of our date nights are home dates of a delicious home-cooked meal and movie. Staying in allows us to save up our money for dinner out and/or buy tickets to a film festival, concert, play or an overnight getaway.

We both agreed an overnight date night would be a great idea. Since it was my turn to plan, I made the reservations and we were soon in the car enjoying the thirty-mile drive from Santa Barbara to the Santa Ynez Valley – a scenic route of landscapes reminiscent of the old west.

The Hadsten House Inn & Spa is located in Solvang, which is a European Village in the heart of Santa Barbara’s wine country. The climate and location is great for outdoor activities from strolling to cycling to visiting the nearby wineries, many who offer discounts to the Hadsten House guests.

Once we arrived at the Inn, we took a tour of the property that included a day spa for massage, an indoor pool, an outdoor Jacuzzi area with cozy seating by two fireplaces and a delicious restaurant.

We were pleased with our spa suite room that included a decorative fireplace and a Sanijet Jacuzzi that had plenty of space for two (The spa suite upgrade costs an extra $50 and is well worth it.) Our European style bedroom included French furnishings, a luxurious and comfy custom bed with high thread count sheets, and a second decorative fireplace that produced glowing flames with a flick of a switch. The interior design touches also included crown molding and a stylish armoire.

Since James and I were in much need of some down time together, we decided to relax on site by enjoying the restaurant and in room spa. We found the in-room Jacuzzi to be a wonderful way to relax together. For our one night package, we received dining vouchers, which listed a nice selection of California-Mediterranean appetizers, entrees and desserts included in the package. You are free to substitute other entrees on the menu for an extra $10 (The menu can be viewed at www.HadstenHouse.com).

The Hadsten House restaurant interior has dark wood, decorative lighting and a warm fireplace that creates a Santa Ynez wine country feel. For our meal, I had the grilled wild salmon with vegetables, which was delicious.

My husband enjoyed the pork chops cooked to perfection and served with an apricot and fig chutney, roasted potatoes, baby carrots and asparagus. James said the pork chops were some of the best he had ever tasted. The house salad of chopped greens, chopped tomato and cucumber with goat cheese had a delicious twist of a creamy sherry dressing. For dessert, James ordered the bananas foster which came in a puff pastry with fresh bananas and strawberries. Since I have a wheat gluten allergy, I asked for a fruit salad. The chef created a layered fruit and whipped cream parfait. James and I found both desserts to be amazing. All of our menu selections were offered in the dinner package.

Soon it was time to leave. And the next day, as we drove back to Santa Barbara, we reminisced about our delicious meal. We returned home feeling reconnected and relaxed. Our overnight “extended date night” staycation at the Hadsten Inn & Spa was affordable, luxurious and just what we needed.

If you’d like more ideas on romantic getaways, tips and delicious date night recipes, sign up for my e-newsletter on the homepage of RomancingTheTable.com and you will also receive downloadable bonuses that include my date night scheduler and 12 tips for happier times at the table.

For more information on the Hadsten House Inn & Spa go to HadstenHouse.com. As of this writing the specials included our one-night dinner package, a two-night spa package, a wine country getaway and a two-night golf package. They also offer AAA & AARP midweek pricing.

–Cynthia Daddona

  [Video] Romantic, Greek Culinary Memory in Mykonos, Greece

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During the course of one’s lifetime we will all have eaten many meals whether alone or with others. Some which are ordinary and others quite special. The mere scent and taste of a certain food or even a photo can transport us back to a wonderful food memory which includes the people, the food and the location.

A Greek salad or horiatiki (villager salad) is what I love to make at home as often as possible. Its gorgeous colors and shapes of ripe tomatoes, green or red peppers, Kalamata olives, cucumber slices sprinkled with Greek oregano and lemon juice and completed with a glisten of olive oil and creamy feta cheese (made from goat and or sheep’s milk) are a feast for the senses. It is also take me back to my wedding and honeymoon on the Greek islands of Santorini and Crete and our recent trip to Naxos and Mykonos.

Watch the video below and join me as we enjoy a Greek salad by the Mediterranean sea at a Greek taverna, Alexandros, located in the Little Venice section of Mykonos:

» Click to watch the video

Our Greek village salad in Mykonos is another precious deposit into to our romantic culinary food memory bank.

Remember you can create or recreate your own wonderful food memory at home or while traveling as well.

– I want to share with you a simple and easy recipe to make your own Greek salad which I now call:

"A Grecian Goddess Greek Salad."

- Go to the recipe section of this website to view this and all the delicious recipes.

- You can also watch clips of another culinary travel memory we had in “A Greek Islands Destination Cooking Class” DVD which was filmed in romantic Santorini, Greece and chosen the #1 NY Times About.com culinary travel gift.

If you any questions or a culinary food memory you would like to share email me at cynthia@moderndaygoddess.com

  First-Class Romantic Mexico

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Romance, Relaxation & Gourmet Dining.

My husband James and I were delighted with our experience at Secrets Capri Riveria Cancun, an all-inclusive ultra luxurious resort located on the Mayan Riviera on 71 oceanfront acres. This adults-only resort is a romantic, relaxing, first-class getaway.
The cuisine was delicious, gourmet, healthy and well presented. The overall resort service was top notch. The Mexican Mediterranean architecture surrounds a scenic pool and a white sand beach offers thatched umbrellas and couches to lounge on by the sea,

When we mentioned prior to our arrival that we were recent newlyweds and that it was also my husband’s birthday, we were greeted with a honeymooners banner on the door and balloons in the room on the day of his birthday. Our room had a fabulous view of the ocean, the resort and the pool. We had a four-poster bed and a full Italian marble bathroom.

The resort activities where the staff “shares a secret” included everything from how to sculpt towels into love swans, to cooking classes to couples massage to dancing. The activities were low key so you could still relax by the pool and beach if you weren’t participating in an activity. The resort also has a variety of beach, land and water activities including complimentary golf at Cancun Golf Club.

One of the highlights is the resorts lovely spa – where you can experience a romantic couples massage side by side under an atrium directly on the beach. It was a wonderful feeling knowing my love and I were receiving massages at the same time.

Click on the images below to view larger

The other highlight of our stay was Secrets’ all inclusive dining which included five gourmet a la carte restaurants with menus offering Seafood, Mediterranean-Italian, Pan-Asian and Mexican cuisine plus a sumptuous buffet and 24 hour room service. Our two favorites were Oceana and Portofino. At Oceana, we celebrated my husband Jim’s birthday with a romantic table for two on a private balcony overlooking the pool. At Portofino we enjoyed Italian cuisine and experienced a private romantic dinner for two with a menu designed by the talented chef in Portofino’s wine cellar (available for an extra charge.) Overall, I enjoyed presentations and flavors of the Mediterranean Mexican dishes that utilized an abundance of fish, seafood and fresh produce. One of my favorite desserts was the flan. For variety, there was an outdoor dining event held on the beach for the guests complete with a live show of talented dancers. There was also a Mexican buffet by the pool that was a colorful feast.

Secrets Capri Riveria was exactly what we were looking for – a resort that offered first class amenities such as romantic and delicious dining options, couples massage and a tranquil environment. This allowed my husband James and I relax together, spend time on the beach, in the pool, dining, reading and just enjoying being together. What a lovely trip first class Mexico offers for couples wanting romance, relaxation and gourmet dining.

To get there:
From Los Angeles we took a Mexicana Airlines flight direct from Los Angeles to Cancun. (4.5 hours) Then secured a driver we arranged ahead of time with the resort to drive us to the resort which was 35 minutes south of Cancun Airport and 15 minutes from Playa del Carmen. We visited the resort in December and enjoyed the sunny and warm weather. For more information go to www.secretsresorts.com

  First Class Romantic Dining and Destination Getaway

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My wish for you is that by the end of reading this you will be inspired to create your own romantic getaway and romantic dining experience to reconnect and celebrate someone you love.

As a Mediterranean-California home cook and newlywed of almost two years with a passion for celebrating love, life & delicious food, I love taking romantic getaways with my husband James and sharing our dining, destinations and recipes so you can do the same. While I always look forward to our weekly date nights that include a romantic meal at home or at a restaurant, (we take turns planning them and we love Mediterranean cuisine) there is something magical about getting away from it all together to reconnect and celebrating our relationship. And for my single readers, remember a solo trip just for you or with friends is a great way to celebrate your own loving self and friendships.

FOUR SEASONS RESORT THE BILTMORE SANTA BARBARA

For a First Class Luxury Getaway and Dining Destination Getaway, I highly recommend The Four Seasons Resort – The Biltmore Santa Barbara. The hotel is a Spanish Colonial treasure built in 1927 that recently completed a comprehensive $240 million renovation. I am happy to report that Owner’s Ty Warner’s vision of restoring this “jewel of the American Riveria” back to its glamour and grandeur of its golden era has been a success. I was also glad to discover that The Biltmore is a “Green” Hotel that makes it a priority to create environmentally safe procedures.With picturesque views of the Pacific Ocean and Santa Ynez Mountains, red roof tiles, ivory adobe and graceful archways, – it is a luxurious and intimate retreat. After our heavenly couples massage we were ready to enjoy our romantic dinner. (See prior post on couples massage in private spa room)
The Fours Seasons Biltmore Santa Barbara has a wonderful restaurant called Bella Vista. My husband Jim and I enjoyed a first class romantic dinner we shall savor in our memories for a very long time. The presentation by Sous-Chef Tory Martindale was true artistry. The California atmosphere was heavenly with views of the ocean, palm trees and sunset followed by a full moon. Some of our menu highlights were fire roasted pepper and goat cheese soufflé, a delicious chilled heirloom tomato soup, a wild salmon with Yukon potato and herb fennel salad and a mango-lychee panna cotta dessert and dark chocolate soufflé with vanilla cream and raspberry that captured the best of Mediterranean California cuisine has to offer. I was delighted when Bella Vista agreed to provide my readers and listeners with the recipe below.

To hear my Romancing the Table® interview with chef Tory Martindale, click here for a replay of the show where I talk with Tory about our Bella Vista dinner, what inspired him to become a chef, and how you can make the Chilled Heirloom Tomato Soup we enjoyed at home. I hope this story inspires you to plan a romantic getaway for you and your beloved wherever it may be and may you one day be able to visit my beautiful town of Santa Barbara and dine at Bella Vista or stay at The Four Seasons the Biltmore.

» Click here for the Chilled Heirloom Tomato Soup recipe

  Charm & Romance in New Canaan, Connecticut

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While we live in California, the state of Connecticut and county of Fairfield, is where I was born and can be quite a beautiful for a romantic getaway. In the fall with the leaves turning or the spring when crocuses are just blooming – New England can be extra quaint. Since my husband and I also wanted to be close to New York city we chose the quaint town of New Canaan which has a nearby Metro North train station that takes you into NYC in one hour.

New Canaan is a wealthy and charming suburb. It was romantic for us strolling down New Canaan’s Main Street and looking at all of the shops. We even spotted designer Ralph Lauren and his wife exiting his namesake store on Main Street looking very stylish as they got into their Porsche and drove off. We later learned he lives in nearby New York state which is close to the New Canaan, Connecticut border.

For accommodations we stayed at the Maples Inn, which is a 22 room, 100-year-old inn.
It originally began as a summer retreat for the urban dwellers from New York City. The Victorian style architecture and wrap around porch reminded me of growing up in New England. The Inn had a quiet and peaceful B&B atmosphere with a self-serve buffet breakfast that could be enjoyed dining on an antique table and underneath an elegant chandelier. The staff was wonderful and we enjoyed being only a few minutes from the quaint main street of New Canaan and an hour away from Manhattan.

The owner Tom Kennedy, a former executive, was quite personable and said the Inn was not only great for visitors to the area but also a great place for those on a business trip, visiting family or needing long term accommodations.

We attempted to eat at the Roger Sherman Inn next door but it was closed so we went into town and had a lovely, romantic dinner at a cozy European Bistro Bonne Nuit.

On one of days during our stay, we went into Manhattan to explore the city. We easily took the Metro North train that took us into Grand Central station. I was delighted to have the chance to check out the station’s restoration with its new food markets. My family and I often took the train to see matinees and I commuted to Manhattan for my journalism/broadcasting work and acting classes. Another day on our trip, we visited nearby family.

Often people ask me for some getaway ideas, which is one of the reasons I started my blog/website RomancingTheTable.com. If you’ve moved away from your home state, it can be fun to return, especially with your sweetheart if they have never visited the area. Also one tip that helps keep intimacy alive is to add an extra day or two to spend with your sweetheart alone if you can when you are on a business trip, conference or visiting family.

See if this can work out even, if you have children and are visiting parents or relatives who are still active. After you’ve visited family perhaps they could watch the children overnight while you vacation for a day or two at a nearby hotel or inn as a couple. It can create quality time for everyone. For example, grand kids get time with their grandparents and you both have time alone together. With the current economy there are many affordable deals to be had especially during the week.

2010 LODGING UPDATE: I often do updates on properties I’ve visited and it looks like The Maples Inn is now closed. I’ve learned it is being developed into lovely condominiums with an emphasis on seniors – all while keeping it historic outer frame. As part of the process, the Maples Inn website says there will be a large estate sale of the inn’s 22 rooms of antiques on the weekends of January 29th and Feb. 7th. For couples who are antique lovers, attending an estate sale together is another romantic date idea. For more information & updates go to www.maplesinnct.com and www.dwestatesales.com.