Dancing at Via Vanti With Shaka The King

Celebrate the arrival of Spring (finally) with Shaka THE KING. Dance to classic tunes though the decades beginning with the 60's to the present. Admission is FREE, cash bar. Our special guest DJ -- Shaka THE KING (ne Davidson) is, not only an awesome DJ, but an emerging recording artist and Golden Gloves Boxer in training for the 2012 Olympics!

Fage Heaven

 I crave this yogurt all of the time.  The first thing you must do is stir it very fast with a spoon.  At first, there is an unappetizing, milky liquid that is on the top…just mix it up and it will turn so creamy.

Here are some facts about yogurt and why it is so damned good for you.

*pronounced “fah-yeh”.

1. It supports the good bacteria in your body.  I know it is hard to believe that bacteria can be good, but it’s true.  There is live bacteria in yogurt.  It helps us with digestion and it helps fight bad bacteria in our bodies.  When you are very sick and need to go on antibiotics, eat this yogurt.  It will keep your immune system strong. Antibiotics are very strong and weaken the immune system.  It can help with an upset stomach, prevent diarrhea and yeast infections.
2. Good for bones!  The obvious reason is that it is pure white yummy calcium.  One 8 ounce container has more calcium than an 8 ounce of milk.  It also has more potassium than a banana, and the same amount of protein as an egg!
3. The 2 percent fat choice is as creamy and delicious as the 0 percent.  I really can’t tell the difference.
4. If you are into giving your pet “human food”, yogurt can be good for them too.

*** always keep yogurt refrigerated

TRY ADDING THESE INGREDIENTS TO YOUR FAGE

• Agave nectar or honey…I love agave nectar.  It is sweeter than honey and you need less.
• Any toasted nuts.  Pecans are my favorite.
• Granola…not the sweet cereal box kind (too much sugar).   Get your granola from one of those bins at a health food market. You will find many different kinds.  I love hemp granola.  Maple flavor is excellent too.
• Jams or preserves…fruit butters are a good idea.
• Fresh berries or bananas
• Crushed pieces of candied ginger!  Incredible!
• Fage also comes with its own flavors: honey, blueberry, strawberry and peach..love!

Before a workout, one 8 ounce container with some of the toppings will keep your energy up and your sugar levels maintained.

HERE ARE SOME BEAUTY TREATMENTS YOU CAN DO WITH YOGURT (these little recipes might sound a bit like a 70′s throwback teen magazine, but if you are moved to try, why not.)

1. MASK:  Mix yogurt, about 2 tablespoons of pulpy orange juice and a tad of aloe vera.  Mix and apply to face. Leave on for about 15 mins. Rinse.
2. EXFOLIANT: Mix yogurt with about 1 teaspoon of sea salt and 1 teaspoon of honey.  Use this as an exfoliant.
3. SUNBURN REMEDY: If you have a sunburn, yogurt can be very cooling and healing.

Get a $2/2 Fage Total Greek Yogurt coupon when you like them on Facebook and share it with 2 of your friends.  This could make for some Free or close to free yogurt!

Thanks for the guest post!

Meet My New Friend Ricka B.....Ricka has  been a trainer for over 15 years.   It is an ever changing dynamic journey that she loves to share with her clients.

She started in Mill Valley, Ca in a small exclusive gym.  Most of her work was one on one personal training.  After being at the gym, the owner decided to open another type of studio. This studio would be a new concept to the exercise world. It was called Spinning. Spinning took off like lightening. She loved teaching it...the music the energy..awesome!!!  Ricka started to take her clients outside to mix things up. She taught them how to use nature as a gym.  I also taught some of my clients how to run the trails and mountains.  Ricka realized that working out in a gym was just a small element of the bigger picture. Each day was a new experience for her and her clients. One day would be a spin class and mat work, the next day could be running on the mountain using tree trunks to do pushups.  The picture of what she did expanded all of the time...ideas were endless.

Email Ricka at pinkhalo@mac.com.

She is   so excited to get started here!

One On One -Personal training

B bar classes-A combination of high intensity bar work, bursts of cardio intervals and intense core work, private or small group classes

Outdoor Workouts - She will take you to local trails and parks. Ricka

will show you the way to get a hardcore workout in our gorgeous

surroundings.

Group Workouts - Bring a workout partner with you. It is a great way

to keep motivated  and with the program. The support is so important.

At Home Gym Set Up - Ricka will come to your home and help you create a private training space.  At the end of your session, She will give you a personalized program.

Related articles

• My Favorite Breakfast (marthaintraining.wordpress.com)
• my big fat greek yogurt showdown. (backtoherroots.com)
• Fitness PR: FAGE Greek Yogurt (piercemattiepublicrelations.com)

The Kittle House, X20, Barcelona and More For 30% Less

X2O Xaviars,Xaviars at Piermont,Barcelona Greenwich, Barcelona Stamford, Kittle House, Opus465,La Bocca,Coromandel New Rochelle, Coromandel Norwalk, Coromandel Stamford, Coromandel Darien, Zitoune, Marc Charles Steakhouse .

What do all these restaurants all have in common? They are all now on Village Vines. Have you tried VillageVines? It's a website that gives you access to preferred pricing at your city's most popular restaurants.  Just make your reservations for $10 through Village Vines.  Simply notify the host / hostess that you made your reservation with VillageVines, and your discount will be applied to your party's bill at meal's end this includes alcohol. There is no need to call the restaurant or bring any printout. We will send you a receipt number in case the restaurant asks you to verify that you booked through VillageVines.

How cool is that? Once again, Stacyknows!

Related articles

• Could VillageVines Eat OpenTable's Lunch? (observer.com)
• Stacyknows:VillageVines (stacyknows.blogspot.com)
• X2O, The Kittle House and Many Other Join Village Vines (stacyknows.com)
• VillageVines OpenTable Meets Groupon (stacyknows.com)

Jane Condon at Route 22 Saturday Night

 

This Diet Is A Cinch

There are no calories to count; no points or grams to memorize.
Just begin choosing four daily meals from over one hundred delicious options (along with a mandatory daily chocolate escape), and you're well on your way to achieving your weight-loss goals. In thirty days on the Cinch!: plan, you'll shed pounds and inches—and overcome emotional eating in the process.
Acclaimed weight-loss expert Cynthia Sass has arrived at the exciting secret to sustainable weight loss: her innovative combinations of clean, nutrient-rich foods not only maximize fat-burning but also deliver a faster, healthier metabolism forever. Following the plan is as simple as putting together an easy-to-understand five piece puzzle at every meal and enjoying four delicious, easy-to-prepare meals in addition to a chocolate treat. The Cinch!: plan includes a full thirty days' worth of quick-fix, satisfying meals and teaches you a simple strategy for creating your own, so you know exactly what, how much, and when to eat, whether you're at home, at a restaurant, or on vacation. Cinch!: makes weight loss simple, with meals you'll look forward to eating (no "diet" foods). And best of all, Sass starts her plan with an innovative five-day "Fast Forward," which jump-starts the plan's impressive results and will leave you feeling lighter and healthier.
If you've been trying to eat more clean, natural, and organic foods, but have lacked the structure needed to lose weight, this is the exact plan you've been waiting for. Cinch! includes every tool you'll need for weight loss success: Sass's proven plan, expert tips and advice, daily journals, grocery-shopping lists, chapters on exercise and emotional eating, and a month's worth of recipes—customizable for meat eaters, vegetarians, and vegans. You'll enjoy Chocolate Pear Ginger Smoothies, Jalapeno Guacamole, and Chicken Pesto Pitas—to name just a few luscious Cinch! options!
Best of all, Cinch!: weight loss is lasting weight loss. In one month, you'll recalibrate your body, freeing yourself from cravings and erratic eating, and begin a satisfying new relationship with food. With Sass's expertise behind you, you'll be empowered to continue creating Cinch!-friendly meals and feel inspired by a wealth of new eating habits—making this so much more than a diet.

Myong Gourmet is Back and Rocking Westchester

Yay! Myong is back in a new location 487 Main Street in Mount Kisco, NY across from( TJ Maxx ) which means not only can you have lunch there in the cafe , but now you can have lunch , dinner , brunch, takeout, smoothies, fabulous baked good and chocolate . The new place is beautiful and edgy, decorated in Myong's signature colors of red, black and white., Myong is so multi talented, she even painted a series of art work adorning the walls . She told me it took her a total of 15 hours to completed the series of 7 pieces .



So much to choose from on Myong's dinner menu. February 21, 2011 marks the dinner debut of Myong's Private Label Gourmet. I can't decide what to order. With such epicurean delights such as Braised Short Ribs with goat cheese polenta and Black Striped bass with parsnip puree, baby spinach in a vanilla mussel broth. OMG Lobster Macaroni and Cheese (Deconstructed) sounds amazing with mascarpone, brussel sprouts and poached lobster.

For starters I think it will be hard to choose between the Butternut Squash Ravioli with argula pesto, brown butter and pomegranate seeds , or the Lamb Sliders topped with coleslaw and a curry dressing.

You can make reservations by calling 914 241 6333 or on Myong's Facebook Page

Stacyknows:VillageVines

Thanks Jill for turning me onto VillageVines. Think of  Village Vines as OpenTable meets Groupon. 

No Coupons are required!  If you are like me who can hardly get out of the house without turning around several times for a myriad of things, including my cell phone, this rocks.

Its free to join.  You pay just $10 for a reservation and 30% automatically comes off your check.

VillageVines gives food lovers access to preferred pricing with their city's most popular restaurants. We make your dining experiences more convenient and more affordable, and we do so by partnering with the best dining establishments – from the restaurant icons to the up and coming gems.

Here’s how it works:

Each day VillageVines highlights a handful of restaurants from among their carefully curated list of the best spots in your city

You choose where to dine and use us to make your party's reservation before the offer expires

You pay $10 to secure your exclusive pricing (typically 30% off your party's entire bill – food and drink!)

Your discount is applied to your bill at meal's end - no coupons, no phone calls and no hassles

If you haven't tried VillageVines, give it a try for FREE.  Please accept my invitation below:

https://www.villagevines.com/welcome.aspx?c=2H7992

Social Media Saves Valentines Day

Mrs Larkins Radish, Mascarpone, Honey and Salt

 

•  Photo: mrslarkin

 I luv radishes! I’ve done the radish/butter thing, which is a great combo. I even roasted them – good, too! Then I got to wondering what else to do with these crunchy, spicy roots. And I thought it might be nice to temper their heat a tiny bit with something besides butter.  It’s milky smooth, and it tastes really good with radishes, and even better with a little honey and salt sprinkled on top. This is an elegant, easy low-carb canapé that will impress guests at any get together. 

  SERVES MANY

for the mascarpone (it's really easy!):

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon fresh Meyer lemon juice, or regular lemon (will be slightly tangier)
• large square of cheesecloth, 4 layers thick

1. In a small saucepan, heat cream to boiling. Continue boiling for 5 minutes. Watch the heat - don’t let the cream boil over.
2. Remove pan from heat and stir in lemon juice. Let cool, about 15 minutes.
3. Fit a medium-sized mesh sieve over a medium bowl. Place cheesecloth square over sieve. Pour thickened cream over cheesecloth-lined sieve. Fold the ends of the cheesecloth over. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Lay a small dish or two over the top to weigh down the cream slightly. Refrigerate in the sieve overnight. Turn mascarpone out into a bowl, cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

for the radishes:

• 1 big bunch chubby radishes, sliced ¼” thick
• acacia honey, or other mild honey
• chunky sea salt
• homemade mascarpone, or good-quality store bought

1. Plate the radish slices. With a small spoon or two, place a dollop of mascarpone on each radish slice. Drizzle with honey. Shower a little coarse salt over top.
2. Alternatively, set all the components out on beautiful platters/bowls and let your guests dress their own radish slices with the mascarpone, honey and salt.

9 Ideas to Create a Valentine’s Day to Remember

Waited Until the Last Minute for Valentine’s Day?
Limos.com Has 9 Easy Ways to Make It the One She’ll Remember

Win Car Service for Valentine’s Day!

For every guy who’s struggling to make his wife, girlfriend or target-of-affection feel cherished on Valentine’s Day, Limos.com, the world’s largest online marketplace for chauffeured transportation, has introduced nine easy ways to create a special last-minute Valentine’s Day. Be prepared for her friends to say, “Why can’t my man be like that?”
Name Those Flowers-Tailor a bouquet with flowers that each have meaning, and write it in a heart-felt card. If you have children, send two bouquets – one from you and one from your kids – and make sure one of them is sent to her office so her coworkers will see how loved she is.
Invitation by Text Message-Design an Invitation to Romance Create a romantic invite in 5 minutes on Evite.com. Make it an invitation to an exclusive event… your exclusive event.
Detail Your Look- Invest in a new outfit and show up in something she’s always wanted you to wear. At worst, you only have to wear it for one night. Tiny details like this mean a lot.
Surprise her with a gift certificate and a day of shopping while you tend to the house and/or kids. Throw in a manicure, pedicure and facial, and make the appointment for her to take place on the day of your V-Day date.
Chauffeur in Style-Use Limos.com to surprise her with a chauffeured car for the evening. Find the perfect car at the right price… after all, it’s hard to be romantic when you’re suffering from road rage. Create a special moment in-between each of the night’s venues so the ambiance continues when you’re on the road. Reveal a small but meaningful gift at each stop and the romance meter will be off the charts.
Romantic Food Tour-Research and make reservations at OpenTable for a restaurant based on her taste. Surprise her with reservations at multiple destinations – one for appetizers and drinks, one for the main meal, and one for dessert. And order dessert no matter what she says!
Jazz it Up-Use Citysearch to find a stylish, upscale hotel lounge with live jazz, or take her dancing at a place designed for romance.
Call on Cupid-If staying in a hotel for the night, tip the concierge to stock your room with champagne and strawberries, candlelight and wine, her favorite tunes… Or do the same for the ride home by making friends with your driver – soft music, candles and champagne can turn a simple ride home into a night to remember.
Use The Gift Insider to find an individualized gift that will have meaning for her. Even the smallest gift will leave a memorable impression if chosen thoughtfully. A night filled with extravagance and a simple gift from the heart can be the most meaningful of all.

Two Ways to Win!

  Limos.com is offering the chance to whisk you and your date away in a chauffeured car for Valentine’s Day. Today through Thursday, February 10^th, 2011, we’re naming a winner a day. Visit our Facebook page and tell us why you’d love car service for Valentine’s Day.
  We’ve teamed up with OpenTable for another Valentine’s Day giveaway! Share a fun photo of you with or in a limo on the OpenTable Flickr group for a chance to win one of four limousine rides + $200 AMEX gift card packages we’ll be giving away every day for four days, starting today through Thursday, February 10, 2011.
Limos.com is the largest online marketplace for chauffeured transportation worldwide, enabling leisure and business travelers to compare and book pre-screened car services at specially-negotiated discounts of up to 40% off standard rates. With exclusive search technology, thousands of quality local vendors and helpful customer reviews, Limos.com consistently delivers more ways to find the perfect car service or limousine for any occasion. Learn more at www.limos.com.

New Years Resolution #1 (For the 35th time)

So the holidays came and went and many of us ate our way through them.  I don’t mean just one week each December.  It starts sometime just before Halloween, when we are surrounded by chocolate and candy.  It continues with our favorite foods, drinks and deserts right through Thanksgiving, Christmas, Chanukah and Kwanza  (maybe even a few other holidays I have missed).   Then New Years’ Eves passed and we once again made a resolution to loose the weight.   But, the important part is that despite past failures, we still resolve to lose the weight.



Here’s the good news.  This time can be different.  Really, I am not joking and it is not that hard.  Ask someone who has tried and succeeded.  Two years ago, with complete skepticism I tried Medifast.  In 4 weeks I lost 20lbs and have kept it off since.  I know that some people have more to lose and some less, the bottom line… it is working for many.  Take Shape for Life is a weight loss program designed to help you lose the weight in a quick and healthy way.



Check it out for yourself:  GettingToSlim.tsfl.com



Or call me to talk it through.  Jodi Siegel 914-419-9935

Lv2bfit/Susan Blake Trunk Show and Wine Tasting

Known for the latest in fashion and jewelry accessories,

Lv2bfit/Susan Blake

hold an evening trunk show and wine tasting.

                                                                                            

Come join the fun!

Thursday, February 10 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm,

a perfect time and place for that special Valentine Day gift.

 Belts from Via Spiga - Nicole Miller - WCM

 

 

-The latest Jewelry designs from KC Design and Philip Frankel-

 

Special wines to taste from 

 

 

 

 

LV2BFIT / Susan Blake

480 Main Street

Armonk, NY

914-765-0555

Reply

Forward

Route 22 Laugh Laugh Laugh

Sick of the snow yet? Dig your way out of the driveway and come out!
   It’s a NOT-TO-BE-MISSED night of HILARITY with national headliner, (and our neighbor) JOE MATARESE! Straight from LAST COMIC STANDING, LETTERMAN, and THE LATE LATE SHOW! In our backyard, one night only, at Route 22 Restaurant   and Bar in Armonk, NY! We’ll be laughing our asses off! And if you miss it, you’ll never forgive yourself!
On Friday, February 11, catch our 8:30pm show headlining JOE MATARESE (Last Comic Standing, Letterman, his own Comedy Central special, & The Late Late Show) at Rt. 22 Restaurant in Armonk, NY.
These shows sell out! Get tickets now at: http://lohudhidefcomedy.com/
*****Mention Stacyknows and save 20% on Food and Drink*********

Via Vanti Valentine's Specials

February ~ Month of Amore  at

Via Vanti

The Flavors and Spirit of Love, Italian Style

Month-long Gustatory Pleasures

All Aphrodisiac Valentine’s Weekend Dinner (Fri-Mon, Feb. 11-14)


Special “Get in the Mood for Love” Event


Monday, Feb. 14 at 6:30 PM – 101 Things That You Didn’t Know About Sex – Columnist and feature writer for the Bedford Pound Ridge Review and contributor to Bedford Magazine, noted “sexpert” Eve Marx (Read My Hips: The Sexy Art of Flirtation; The Goddess Orgasm, What’s Your Sexual IQ?) promises to deliver a Valentine’s program that’s informative, frisky and fun!  And to make you feel even better, ALL proceeds from book purchases will go to Rescuzilla Animal Rescue of NYC.

Month-long Entertainment
  
Cinema dell’Amore – Throughout the month, our flat screen monitor at the bar will feature such classics as: Il Postino, Romeo and Juliet, Three Coins in the Fountain, Much Ado About Nothing, Casanova, Divorce Italian Style (actually a hilarious love story!), and of course Gidgit Goes to Rome

Valentine’s Weekend* “All-Aphrodisiac” Specials                                       

Coconut Gelato bathed in Limoncello

Restaurant & Gelateria (in the Mount Kisco Train Station) – 666-6400

Giant Lobsters at Mt Kisco Seafood

Lobster, Lobster, Lobster

Check Out This DeaL At Nino's in NYC Now This Is A Deal $75 -- 3-Course Lobster Dinner for 2 w/Wine, Reg. $212

Did you know that Travelzoo has Local Deals?  This one is for Nino's! I've been to Nino's quite a number of times and have paid full price for this dinner.  This is an unbelieveable deal and I wanted to make sure you knew about it.   There are 2 days left to buy this deal!

Nino's Restaurant

1354 1st Ave.
Between 72nd St. & 73rd St.
New York, New York 10021
212-988-0002

$75 -- 3-Course Lobster Dinner for 2 w/Wine, Reg. $212 .With this deal, select two appetizers, two entrees and two desserts from a prix fixe menu. You'll also get your choice of a bottle of red or white wine. Travelzoo Local Deals has great deals on top restaurants, spas and activities in New York.  Buy a voucher at their site to experience half off or credits at some of the most well known restaurants in the city.

They don't post a deal each day, only when they find something that is really good.  Go to Travelzoo.com to sign up or go to Facebook.com/TravelzooNYC.

Related articles

• Travelzoo's Groupon Competitor Already Valued At $400 Million (businessinsider.com)
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These Gorgeous Cakes Won't Make You Fat

Laddie Cakes LLC is a faux decorative cake company created by Ladd Mengel, a graduate of both the Rudolf Schaeffer Art School and The French Pastry School in Chicago. By combining her artistic talents with her understanding of cakes, she is able to create eye-catching decorative cakes that can be used for all occasions. Her cakes can be made to order and shipped within days. Her artistic versatility leaves no idea out of reach and the cake design is truly up to the consumer.

They can also be used as gifts, centerpiece,  or simply to brighten a room.  Fake cakes have been showing up at weddings everywhere.  She will take any type of custom order as well.

Give Ladd a call 847-784-9180 or send her an email Ladd@laddiecakes.com

Eclisse A Do Not Miss In White Plains

Looking for not the same old same old? Love Mediterranean food or looking to try it?  Head over to Eclisse restaurant in White Plains.
What makes Eclisse different than the usual fare is its Mediterranean influence, pomegranates and olives adorning the cuisine. The menu has entire section devoted to kebobs.  
  Rice fans can rejoice, basmati, shivid(dill),albaloo(sour cherry),zereshke (barberry),or shirin(jeweled), then this your new favorite spot.


The  Sacchetti Tartufi (truffle pasta) stuffed purses of black truffle , parsley, shitake mushrooms,pecorino cheese, garlic and oil  and ice cream alone is worthy  of a visit. 


I loved that they suggest a great affordable  wine by the glass to compliment  every entree. 

Eclisse was a wonderful experience. The service and food were outstanding..the owner is a gem! Definitely a "do not miss"!!!!

Take Me To Taster's In Tavernier

Tasters Market and Grille is a treat.  I have been coming to the Florida Keys for almost 20 years.  Needless to say I have tried my fair share of restaurants.  Tasters Market and Grille is one I will be coming back to again and again. Flat bread pizzas, mussels and curry sauce and bacon encrusted yellow tail  are all a treat. The chicken had an Asian flair that was crusty on the outside and delicious on the inside. There were about 100 bottles of wine on the list,and our dining companion who is a wine connoisseur was pleased and  impressed. “Hard to Find - Hard to Beat”

Taster's Grille has fabulous food and an extensive wine and beer selection. The tapenade is delicious, as is the flat bread pizzas. The specials are always fresh and ever changing. The staff, Chef George and Tom the Wine Guy make your dining experience very personal. Ask questions. They love it. It can get noisy if the place is packed, so go early.

Located at mile maker 91 which is the town of Tavernier in the Florida Keys .  This unassuming restaurant located next to the post office in a shopping center has one of the most innovative farm to table menus that I have sampled  to date.

Related articles

• Pencil This In: Tom Morello, David Rosenboom Septet, Posers & Wine Tasters (laist.com)

Bring On Th Grill Charms

I came across this truly unique gift idea. If you are fortunate enough to be invited to a Superbowl Party,
Grill Charm™
are such a unique alternative to the same old host / hostess gift. Grill Charms™ offer an entirely new concept in outdoor entertaining. Grill Charms™ are dime-sized solid stainless steel charms that are placed in food BEFORE grilling. The serrated stem holds the charm in securely while flipping, moving and grilling food like the Grill Master normally does. Grill Charm™ food prior to cooking to distinguish spices and flavors, steak temperatures, or to avoid health or allergy issues. They stay in before, during and after grilling so when dinner comes to the table, simply look for your Grill Charm, and everyone knows which one is theirs. They are perfect for anyone that loves entertaining, and if you are attending their party... chances are they MUST!