Brix Restaurant*Garden*WineShop- Napa, Ca

I have been to Brix several times. I have mixed reviews about the food here. The food hasn't always been consistent. My visit before last my food was delicious. They prepared a nice Valentine's Day menu. This last visit I was disappointed. I ordered the lamb osso bucco and there was no flavor. The presentation was not appealing either which should of been a clue that this dish was not going to sit well on my palate. My guest ordered the duck breast and another guest ordered the prosciutto halibut. I tasted a piece of the duck and felt the same way, it was way too tough and I had to fight to cut a piece off. I have prepared duck breast before and all you need is salt, pepper and garlic powder. I prefer to grill it and prepare an orange ginger sauce. My other guest did enjoy their halibut but at that point I was unwilling to try.
What I can say is that I appreciate the warm environment and how the restaurants renewed farm-to-table dining is a napa valley country classic. The restaurant has two acres of fresh fruit and vegetables and is absolutely breath taking.
I will return to this restaurant once the chef changes the menu and adds flavor.

2.75 out of 5 stars Flavor
5 out of 5 stars ambiance

La Note- Berkeley, Ca (French Breakfast)

If I could eat breakfast here everyday I would. La Note takes breakfast to a whole new level. Like most foodies you will have your ear to the grind and follow your tummy. One day I was watching Rachel Ray's show on Bay Area places to eat. This restaurant caught my eye because of its French Authenticity to its food. All of the dishes looked delicious. When you walk in this breakfast nook you feel like you are in Europe. The decor is warm and the staff is friendly. La Note has won many awards! If reservation haven't been placed in advance there is small wait for their delicious, delightful food but worth it! I have tried several dishes and recommend the lemon ginger bread pancakes with poached pears, la note pain perdu soaked in orange water and lavender honey, coulis de framboises et myrtilles maison and omelette de pommes de terre (open faced omelette with roasted tomatoes).
5 of out of 5 stars flavor
5 of out of 5 stars ambience
5 of out of 5 stars staff

So Frais in Fremont, Ca - Frozen Yogurt

A few years ago I was hearing the buzz swarming in on delicious frozen yogurt. After the lines died down I decided to visit my first Pinkberry here in Los Angeles. Nevertheless, it was pretty tasty but not a whole lot of options to choose from. Now there is a whole new world for Frozen Yogurt Lovers and the competition is fierce offering new flavors and variety!
This weekend I stopped by So Frais to cool down from the hot weather in Fremont, California. I was fortunate enough to meet one of the owners who was very friendly. To my surprise this location has only been open for two weeks and it was already packed. Not only am I in love with the name So Frais but also appreciate the warm decor and family friendly environment this location has to offer.
During my tasty travel I was able to try the blueberry and pineapple tart yogurt. I am usually a traditional gal but decided to try something new. I fell in love with the flavors. With lots of topping to choose from I decided to keep it simple with raspberries and mango's. However, I did decided to try the mochi balls and all I can say is YUMM!

5 of 5 stars

The Huntington Library- Tea House-Botanical Gardens

This is not your ordinary library. This place has one of the most beautiful gardens in California. Covering 120 acres The Huntington Library has more than 12 specialized gardens such as the Japanese Garden, Rose Garden, and Chinese Garden. On my visit I was able to eat at The Rose Garden Tea Room. The Tea Room is situated in the heart of the Botanical Gardens. The Tea Garden Room is where you can enjoy a pot of hot brewed Kiwi Strawberry tea or Black English Tea. Scones are prepared fresh with Devonshire Cream hourly. Most tea rooms that I have frequented in the past do not offer a buffet but with all the savory finger sandwiches and caviar you never feel like you were in a buffet environment. The Huntington Library is a great place to take friends, family, children and a special date.

How to Save on your Grocery Bill Tips

1. It has been said before Never go to the grocery store HUNGRY! It has been estimated that most people impulse buy because something looks good at the time. 60-70% of the time the item never gets eaten.

2. Make a list of necessities that are needed such as eggs, milk, butter etc...

3. Duh, you heard it before use Coupons!

4. Have a plan on what meals you want to cook for the week.

5. If you are single or have a small family go to the butcher to portion out how many pieces of meat you plan to eat for that particular meal. You will save $$. For instance, I have a household of 2 and I if want to make chicken breast for the evening. I only purchase 2 pieces of meat unless I want to make leftovers for lunch the next day.

6. Grow your own herbs! Have you seen how much those little bunches of basil cost? Ummm, like $2.99 for less than two tablespoons.

7. You don't always have to purchase name brand items. It's almost like shopping for designer labels. Sometimes some of the best deals are the store brand and not the MOTTS, CARNATIONS, HELLMANS, MORTONS, etc... to say the least.

8. Do not purchase pre-cut packaged items such as chopped onions, chopped garlic, chopped carrots. Just take a look at the difference if you just do it yourself.

9. Check the dates on items purchased! Milk is always a huge concern. You don't want your milk to spoil after two days of purchasing. You also don't want to purchase withered produce either. Trust me! It has happened.

10. My most valuable tip. Visit your local Farmers Market once a week to get the freshest produce. If you do not plan to grow your own herbs they are very inexpensive here. You can always get really good deals if you make your purchase before the end of day. Vendors want to get these items off their hands so they will throw in an extra tomato or two. I never purchase produce from a regular grocery store unless its an emergency.

I hope these tips are helpful! Please feel free to comment below and add a few in.

Mozza Pizzeria-Mario Batali

Hands down this is my favorite place to EAT. After reading hundreds of reviews, I still wasn't sure if this was the place to be. I must admit I was a little presumptuous in my thinking because of its association with Mario Batali. It's not that he has done anything to me personally. I think after watching Iron Chef and having favorites you tend to fall in love with certain Chef Personalities. After eating here I have a NEW FOUND respect for Batali and go out of my way to tell everyone I know how great his pizza is. I have even purchased a few of his cookbooks and have never gone wrong with any of his dishes.
Mozza is located on the corner of Melrose & Highland. You may wanna call 2-4 weeks in advance to get a seat or you can wait an hour or two for the bar. I personally enjoy the bar because I like to watch the cooks prepare the pizza. My favorite pizza is the meat lovers. The desserts are phenomenal! Matter of fact... everything is good and you will definitely leave with a smile on your face.


Rating: 5 out 5 stars

Independence Day Cookout with Friends & Family-Jamaican Inspired Menu

The day was filled with laughter, swimming, good conversation with friends & family and yummy cooking. I hope all of you enjoyed your day as much as I did.








Jasmine's Kitchen prepared a Jamaican Inspired menu. The menu included Jerk Chicken, Chuck & Sirloin Jerk burgers freshly ground with feta cheese, grilled nectarines, Jamaican Cole Slaw, Carrots with honey & cumin, Ginger bbq sauce, Garlic herb rice, Papaya & Bell Pepper Salad, and Cherry & blueberry dessert. For any of these recipes feel free to email jasmineskitchen@gmail.com

KATSUYA - Sushi

Being a huge Sushi fan that I am and being half Japanese I decided to pay Katsuya Sushi a visit. The ambience is fun, trendy and sexy. And....From what I have been told many celebrities are frequently seen here.
As my friend and I are greeted by the hostess we were instantly sat down at the sushi bar. Now we had some catching up to do for I haven't seen her since she moved to Israel over a year ago.
First, I order the Halibut Usuzukuri-thinly sliced with citrus sauce which was pretty tasty but I have tasted this before. However, it was thinly sliced and beautifully presented. My friend ordered the Hanabi- Spicy Yellowtail with mango on grilled rice cakes. I can honestly say I wasn't a fan of this concoction, it was forgettable.... I can hardly remember the taste. I then went on to order the Kobe Beef Filet with Foie Gras. Unfortunately, this dish was pretty lackluster. The Kobe beef was overcooked and the foie gras did not seem to marry well. I was told that this was one of their most popular dishes by management and was thankful that my dish was comped.
$$
Ambience: Great
Drinks: Great
Food: 2.5 out of 5 stars

Downtown Culver City-Los Angeles' best kept secret. Jasmine's Kitchen goes to Akasha

A true native of Culver City. I am proud to say I was actually born here. 15 years ago my younger cousin and I would walk five miles to go the movie theatre on Washington Boulevard. Then, nothing was there but a movie theatre. Downtown Culver City has been become a quaint charming collection of outdoor cafes, galleries,landmark buildings such as the iconic Helms Bakery Design and much more.
As I carefully scoped out each restaurant I came across Akasha Restaurant/Bar/Bakery as quoted from their website. The atmosphere and decor was definitely my type of restaurant. My first selection from the menu was Akasha's Niman Ranch Lamb Sliders with feta cheese, arugula and tomato chutney. Honestly, these sliders were cooked to perfection and by far the BEST Slider I have ever had. As my main course I had their Signature Dish Star Anise Braised Short Ribs with ginger & pink peppercorns, parsnip-potato puree heirloom carrots. My short ribs were cooked for six hours and falling off the bone. My guest had the Grilled Pork Chop with bacon cheddar, snap peas & corn succotash and Cajun Jus. We were pleasantly surprised by our meal and will definitely go back to try new things on the menu. Not to mention their wine selection was great as well.
$$
4 out of 5 stars
Great for date night
Great for dessert
Great for cocktails

Jasmine's Kitchen Attends- Star Chef's Charity Event at Santa Anita Park

Jasmine’s Kitchen attends 46th Annual
“An Evening with Star Chefs”Jasmine’s Kitchen was in attendance of the 46th Annual Evening with Star Chefs where she enjoyed a fabulous evening of gourmet food, live music, dancing, wine and a spectacular silent auction benefiting Rosemary’s Children Services.














Jasmine Williams and News Anchor Woman Christine Devine Fox 11 News


Jasmine Williams & Chef Denis Depoitre


Jasmine Williams, Tamika Farr Director YWCA and James Farr