Friday, August 26, 2011

Cooking can be Fun

A wonderful cooking class at Sur La Table



I recently had the pleasure of taking part in a cooking class with a friend at Sur La Table. The location at The Grove offers regular classes. While I have taken classes before, this was more fun as we moved from station to station during the evening and actually took part in the preparation. We learned techniques from several chefs. We began with Gruyere Fondue. We each savored the hot, gooey cheese on chunks of fresh bread. I could have eaten that for dinner. We learned how to cook Crispy Flattened Chicken with garlic mashed potatoes and black eyed pea succotash. The recipe is Ben Ford's, the chef and owner of Ford's Filling Station. We learned that the secret to the crisp skin and moist chicken is is brining the chicken over night. For dessert we made tiny pine nut cookies.


While the food cooked we were given an opportunity to shop to our heart's content. The store manager pointed out all of the tools we had used in preparing the meal and where we could find them. After shopping we sat down to a delicious meal. It was a fun evening - the only disappointment was the huge amount of butter used in the chicken and vegetable dish. If I ordered this in a restaurant I would feel good in knowing I was eating something healthy and that clearly was not the case. The good news is that I made the chicken at home with much less butter and it was still delicious.



Friday, August 19, 2011

Temperley London is Quite Tempting

Temperley London is a wonderful, intimate boutique on Melrose Place focusing on contemporary British fashion. English women in the know such as Pippa Middleton and Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge have been dressing in Alice Temperley's unique creations for years. Lucky for us, we no longer have to fly over the pond to indulge. In addition to Temperley's dynamic collection of evening wear, the boutique on Melrose Place has a room full of Bridal Gowns. Temperley releases a new Bridal Collection twice a year. I had the pleasure of previewing their newest Bridal Collection.

A few of the newest dresses in The Temperley London Bridal Collection.
Pryor Events are big fans
!


The lovely lead sales specialist, Jennifer Murphy displaying one of Temperley's newest Bridal Gowns.


A sophisticated wedding gown that feels very Royal


This Egyptian inspired Gown features a back that is quite dramatic.



Thursday, August 18, 2011

BUNGALUX - Bungalusts



Pryor Events is proud to have been featured on the gorgeous Bungalux Site. You can view our tips on planning a Summer Pool Party at http://www.bungalux.com/bungalusts/contributor/julie-pryor

Sunday, August 14, 2011

Dinner Created by Culinary Students

Enjoy a delicious meal and support Culinary Students at Bistro 31 in Santa Monica The wonderful open kitchen where chefs in training perfect their craft.


One of the entrees on the Bistro 31 current menu - breast of chicken with goat cheese red bliss mashed potatoes and spinach

A wonderful summer salad consisting of heirloom tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, sweet watermelon and a delicious soy-ponzu vinaigrette




If you follow my Blog you will notice that I enjoy trying unique restaurants. One of my current favorites is Bistro 31 in Santa Monica. It is run by the International Culinary students at The Art Institute of California. The students cook, serve and run the front of house. The food is very good and the prices are quite reasonable. The emphasis is clearly on quality and not quantity. The servings are small and there are not many choices. Personally, I prefer small amounts of good food rather than huge amounts of mediocre food. They do not serve alcohol but you may bring your own wine. Their schedule is determined by the school calendar. They are currently open for lunch and dinner on Tuesday - Thursday. The restaurant is just off 31st Street and Ocean Park. There is lot parking and they validate. Pryor Events thinks Bistro 31 is wonderful! View their site at http://www.bistro31.com

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Cheese Glorious Cheese




Neal's Yard Dairy in London is a rare treat. If you enjoy cheese it's almost worth the long flight just to savor their astonishing selection. There are locations in Borough Market as well as Covent Garden. They often have wonderful cheese tasting events - pairing cheese with other local delicacies. Try to visit The Borough Market location when the incomparable market is in full swing - Thursday, Friday or Saturday. There's nothing quite like it.


Neal's Yard Dairy at Borough Market. The cheese is classified by its origin - cow, goat or sheep. Tasting is encouraged so don't be shy.




If you can not make it to London - no worries. This is the NYD selection at my local Whole Foods.