posted by thediva on December 16, 2012
The sleek Nespresso CitiZ machine has been one of the most used appliances in my kitchen for a few years now. I’m in love with the Nespresso brand – the products and coffee capsules are top quality and the customer service as part of the Nespresso Club is excellent. Top Chef hottie Padma Lakshmi who lived in Europe during her 20s knows good coffee and recently collaborated with Nespresso saying, “I think it’s just freshly roasted, ground, and sealed right away in that airless chamber and goes into this little capsule so it’s perfect every time.” When she shared a cardamom cappuccino recipe, I knew I had to try it. Being born in India, I naturally love chai but am quite particular about my coffee too. I was surprised at how well an Indian spice like cardamom complements a cappuccino.
“The cardamom has a fantastic aroma, and it really makes you feel cozy,” Padma says. “Something about the aroma of nutmeg and cardamom really smacks of Fall. It makes you want to stay in, build a fire, and just get together and entertain at home. I think it’s the perfect coffee drink, either for morning or after dinner.” I agree with Padma as I sit in bed on this Sunday morning enjoying my cardamom cappo!
Begin by brewing an espresso using the robust Indriya from India Grand Cru.
Add brown sugar and green cardamom to the milk of your choice and froth. Here, I used cane sugar and a bit of crushed cardamom as I didn’t have powder on hand. The fresh cardamom gave the cappuccino a really intense flavour but added the extra step of having to strain the milk afterwards.
Combine the espresso and frothed milk. Top with a pinch of ground cardamom, nutmeg and crushed unsalted almonds if you desire. Enjoy!
Nespresso Cardamom Cappuccino
Ingredients:
1 capsule of Indriya from India
4 oz. of milk
1 tsp of brown sugar
1/4 tsp of powdered green cardamom
Ground nutmeg
Pinch of crushed unsalted almonds
Directions:
Brew an Espresso (1.35 oz.) into a cappuccino cup and set aside
Add brown sugar and green cardamom to the milk
Prepare frothed milk (with Aeroccino Plus or steam wand) and pour in cup
Top with crushed almonds, nutmeg and a pinch of cardamom
posted by thediva on December 5, 2012
It was not long ago that I attended a Bloggers Breakfast at Tiffany and Co. and most recently a media luncheon to get us all into the holiday spirit. We chatted diamonds and dined on delicious food at Model Milk, listed in Air Canada’s enRoute Magazine as one of Canada’s best new restaurants for 2012. Executive chef Justin Leboe created a special menu which included winter salads, wild B.C. snapper and a heavenly chocolate pecan pie. Continuing its 175th year celebration, the jewellery house presented us with numbered copies of The Legacy Gemstones of Tiffany book and a sweet holiday ornament.
Considering The Great Gatsby is my favorite book, I was elated to hear that afternoon that Tiffany & Co. designed the art-deco jewels for Baz Luhrmann’s upcoming film based on the novel. “This collaboration is a natural for us,” said Jon King, executive vice president of Tiffany & Co. “Our archives contain spectacular jewels from the 1920s that are the basis of the one-of-a-kind designs we have created for this iconic American story.”
This is fitting especially since author F. Scott Fitzgerald was a loyal Tiffany’s customer during the roaring 20s. Apparently, the interior of Jay Gatsby‘s lavish home in the film will also contain china, sterling silver flatware and other accessories by Tiffany & Co. I can’t wait to see the platinum-set diamond and pearl pieces on Daisy Buchanan, played by and hope to bring you a sneak peek of these baubles straight from Tiffany’s in the coming months.
with Model Milk executive chef Justin Leboe
posted by thediva on November 23, 2012
I have always found train travel to be steeped in romance and the cold weather is tempting me to pack my Louis Vuitton trunks and board the Maharajas’ Express, India’s newest luxury train.
Awarded “Best Luxury Train” by CNBC Travel in 2010 and named 1st runner up in the Readers Choice Award for Conde Nast Traveler in 2011, the Maharajas’ Express takes travelers on a decadent journey to explore the splendor of the rich Indian landscape, from majestic forts and palaces to natural bounty and untamed wildlife. There are five incredible itineraries between the months of September and April, which include exotic experiences such as meeting the royal family at Balasinor while visiting the largest dinosaur fossil park, exploring the erotic temples of Khajuraho, lunching at an elephant polo match in Jaipur, enjoying a cocktail sundowner on the sand dunes of Bikaner, indulging in a champagne breakfast overlooking the immortal beauty of the Taj Mahal, and riding a boat on the Ganges in the holy city of Varanasi to witness the ancient ritual ceremony of offering prayers by lighting lamps.
My inner Indian princess would…
…settle into the club chairs in the Rajah Club with some bubbly and watch incredible India pass by through the large panoramic windows, or lose myself in a good book from the collection in the Safari Bar.
…savour the royal feast in any of the two restaurant cars that seat 42 guests each.
…and dream the sweetest dreams in the 448sq ft. Presidential Suite with two bedrooms, two attached baths (one with bath tub) and a living cum dining room.
Now, won’t you join me?
posted by thediva on November 16, 2012
On a chilly winter’s night, I boarded a modern and luxurious version of the ‘Polar Express‘…
…to be whisked away to a ‘secret’ facility where magnificent creatures were unveiled by the creative geniuses at Heavy Industries prior to their migration to Chinook Centre, one of Western Canada’s premier shopping centres.
With Adam, Artistic Director at Heavy Industries
It was then time to celebrate these larger-than-life works of art at a pop-up ice lounge where there was food, music, and delicious Polar Bear cocktails of course.
I stayed toasty warm in my Mackage coat and faux-fur Russian hat. Although the evening ended all too soon, the loveable bears left an indelible impression as they will help launch the fundraising initiative at Chinook Centre for Polar Bears International. Because giving is always fashionable!
photo by Anneke Forbes
