TGIF!!!!

GOING DRINKING!!!! Rough week...met Tom Hanks today though!!!! Have a great weekend! Eat, Drink & be Merry!!!!

Chicken!!!!

I hate the fact that anything anybody ever wants to eat is CHICKEN! Everyone always orders a salad with chicken or add chicken. How about other meats people! Succulent pork is wonderful! Shrimp or crab is always a pleasure!

I miss the days of an elegant Crab Louie Salad or the perfect Waldorf Salad. I feel like I am going to grow feathers! I am going on a no more CHICKEN campaign! I know it's cheap, but let's be more creative!!!

The Band!!!

So when you think of most rock bands, you think sex, drugs, rock & roll! Right?

Not the band I was hanging out with today. They were so tame. Maroon 5 is one of the biggest pop bands in the world. But for some reason I had no idea who they were. Maybe because they're not the stereotypical group you normally think of. Too bad!! I wanted the dirty aspect of the business. Booze & drugs in the green room. The smell of marijuana wafting through out the studio. Instead I got the smell of Axe and chocolate chip cookies. Just another day in the life of Wade!!!

Asian Flare!!!

What is it about Asian food that makes me so giddy with excitement! Is it because all the flavors and spices make my tongue dance. I would have to say that any dish that is from the far east. Is an adventure. Today we made the best Warm Thai Chicken Salad with Mandarin Oranges at the Cafe. YUMMY! I always like to mix it up and serve diverse dishes everyday.

I don't get to feed many refined palates, but everybody loves a taste of Asia!


Picnic Thai Chicken Salad

Wild Greens
1 Cup of Shredded Chicken
1/4 Cup of Mandarin Oranges
1/4 Cup Of Julienne Red Onions
1/8 Cup of Shredded Carrots
1/8 Cup of Diced Scallions
1/2 Cup Of Nappa Cabbage Shredded
1 Cup of Peanut Sauce

Mix all ingredients in a bowl and drizzle in peanut sauce. Toss again & serve. How easy and quick is that!!!!


I like to add a teaspoon of chili sauce! Really sweet & spicy!!!

Snack Pack!

Today is the day when you go back to work after a short weekend. Are you feeling a little hung over? Did you not go out and drink on Saturday? Well...guess what! It's from food. Most of us actually eat more on the weekend then we do during the week. How is that possible you ask? Because we actually sit down and have three meals each day. I rarely have time for breakfast and usually cram something down my throat towards lunch. Most of us do it. But we don't realize how much harm it actually does to our system.

Slow down, have a meal and enjoy it. It's always rush, rush, rush. Try to at least pack a morning snack. Get up and leave your desk for lunch. Prepare something on Sunday for dinner for Monday night. Leftovers are always great! You can take them for lunch on Tuesday. Remember when you were a kid and had a great lunch packed for you? Try doing it yourself. That way you have the energy to make it through to Friday! Or at least to happy hour!!!!


Morning Snack Pack

Banana
Yoghurt
Granola Bar

Everything you need to conquer the Monday blues!!!!

TGIF!!!! The Ultimate Friday Treat

It's FRIDAY!!! Even though I had the day off on Monday, it still feels like a long week. But enough bitchng!!

So it's the weekend and I looked in my fridge and it was bare!!! Only means that it's time to go to the grocery store or go out! I am gonna go out.
For some reason my mother never cooked on a Fridays. We always either went out to eat. Or ordered from our favorite deli. Nothing beats pastrami on rye with spicy mustard.

Today is the day to treat yourself to a nice hardy meal! A cold ale or nice glass of wine. But not both! Visit your local pub or favorite family run restaurant. They are waiting for you and they need the business.

Tonite I am going to the Hudson a cool bar/pub my friend opened. In the neighborhood. It's got a great cheese steak and house made fries that makes your mouth water! And I wash it down with a blonde ale! Wonderful....

Saturdays are my night to cook. I usually like to grill or make a nice bowl of pasta. Keeping it casual and not too fancy! Times are tough! And I refuse to pay more than twenty dollars for a meal right now.

Cheap and Cheerful is the way to go!!! Have a great weekend!! Be a patron at your local eatery!!!

Oscar Update!!!

IT'S OSCAR TIME!!!!!! The best time of the year! It's like Christmas for anyone in the food, event or beverage industry. Your time to shine! Like other "Celebrity" event planners. I too am looking forward to this glorious day! I am just waiting for that V.I.P call to plan and executive one of the high profile parties in Hollywood.

I don't mean to seem like I am on my high horse, but I know how to throw a pretty awesome party.


Stay tuned for more details!

The Movie/TV Star

Okay.....I get to me a lot of celebrities. But meeting Bill Paxton a.k.a Chet from "Weird Science" was the ultimate star meet. What a lucky guy I am in. Who knew as a young lad growing up in South Orange, New Jersey. That I would one day be surrounded by such wonderful talented people. I had always dreamed of one day moving to Hollywood and becoming a star. I feel I have made my dream come true and then some. For everyone out there who is having a bad day. Focus on what you want to do in life and MAKE IT HAPPEN!!!! You can go either way in this life. You can be the bitter cranberry or the sweet orange. Go for being the sweet orange!

Thanks to everyone who have always encouraged me to follow my dreams!!!!!

The Winter Games!

Was I the only one disappointed by the opening ceremony for the Olympics? Don't get me wrong, I am sure they tried their best. It just was not good enough. I guess it's a reflection of the Canadian lifestyle. Simple,bland & boring...like their food. I have never had a really good meal in that country. I have been to Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto & Vancouver. Not one I can remember, except the one I cooked at my friends cottage. On a grill.

Grocery stores are really lackluster as well. They shop at the IGA (International Grocers Association). You can find some cool items there. Like the homeland favorite Butter Tart. Which is a Pecan Pie without the pecans. What...you people can't afford the nuts? Too ethnic?

Dinner out in Canada is like asking for a piece of cardboard with butter. I am sure I will get a lot of flak for saying this. But come on.... french fries and gravy. Wonderfully good...but really basic. I do however have to admit that the seafood is always a pleasure. Especially in Vancouver. Only the Today show has featured more sophisticated culinary restaurants. I just hope they do it soon!!!

We are winning gold medals though! Happy Tuesday!!!

It's Friday!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yeah it's Friday!!! If this week sucked for you like it did for me. We made it! I thought this work day would never end. It seemed like everyone was getting on my nerves! The only bright spot of my day was getting a box of Lollibakes from Di's Cupcakes! They are cupcakes shaped like lolli pops. And are very addicting! You cannot have just one! I hope everyone has a great weekend and the day off on Monday!!!

Here is Friday's recipe!

EAT OUT!!!!! Go to your favorite restaurant and have a great meal!!!!!

TGIF!! Happy Valentines Day!!! Oh...and Presidents Day!! Wahoo!!!!!

xoxo,

Wade

The Long Weekend!!!

Here we are! Just a day away from a very much needed long weekend. Why the hell do we work so much in the U.S.? Other countries seem to work less and enjoy their lives more. What the f%&k is wrong with us! People in Spain practically don't work at all. And they are one the most stable Countries in the world. Americans just work, work & work. Don't get me wrong I LOVE the U.S.A. But I also like time off too. With all the technology it is virtually impossible to get away from you desk. And we never take a holiday...unless it's on the calendar.

Most of our customers that come into the Cafe take their lunch to go. And go back to their desk to eat. What the hell! Sit down and enjoy your lunch. You won't die from being away from work for an hour. Spend time with your friends and enjoy your meal.....let it go!!!!! Tomorrow is Turkey Burger day. Eat it a table...not at your desk!!!!!!

Winter Blues

Having the winter blues sucks. Is it just me or does everyone feel like that? It seems that no matter where I turn, everyone is fed up with this weather. Especially people on the East Coast. Snow, snow and more snow! At least there you get a snow day and hot chocolate. Here it's just another rainy cold day.

Having a fire place would make it more interesting. You can make Smores or roast Hot Dogs. Curl up with a book and a nice glass of brandy. In Los Angeles, people just stay at home and watch TV. It's too dangerous to drive when it rains here. Only because people don't know how to drive in this weather. I am looking forward to this week to be over. I am tired, cold and bitter....

Raid your cupboards and freezer. Make something fabulous for dinner.

LA Winter...What????

So much for sunny California! For those of you who say LA has no Seasons! You are so wrong! I have been stuck in Winter since November... That means no parties, no outdoor events and no fun! I think it's time to warm up the Fondue Pot and just roll with it. As soon as the summer comes...look out world! The Picnic Basket will be full of goodies!

For those of you on the East Coast. God bless ya! At least here we can drive to the snow or see it on the mountains. I definitely don't miss shoveling snow or scraping ice off the windshield! I do however miss a snow day!!! So with that said, here is an easy Fondue Recipe...even a monkey can make!

Good Luck!

Recipe

Go to Trader Joes and buy the already made Fondue Kit. Follow the directions and buy some great bread!!!

I also like Raclette. Which I first had in Verbier, Switzerland. But you need a professional to make it.

Get some great Salami, Spicy Mustard and Cornichons (small pickels) to eat with the Fondue. Of course a good glass of Red Wine will go perfect with this meal!

Thanks Ground Hog!!!

Just like everone else, I too am getting sick of Old Man Winter! Don't get me wrong, I love the cold and snow. But enough already!!!! As a chef I cook seasonally. And right now, I am sick of cooking winter dishes! But can't stop until the Spring comes.

People like to eat comfort food during this season. So comfort food you get. Soups, Roasts, Potatoes & Burgers. No wonder why we all gain that extra 10 pounds. As soon as the warmth heads our way so do the great spring vegetables. And lighter dishes. For some reason warmer temperatures, changes the way you eat.


When I was traveling Europe in the spring/summer, that's when I discovered how to cook for the season. In France, Germany & Italy they all rarely have a big meal. In the South Of France. A dinner usually consist of a nice Charcuterie, Cheeses & Baguette. Wonderful tomatoes & pickled veggies. And booze! I cannot wait to turn the calendar anticipating the warmth and delicious dishes! Bring it on!

TGIF!!!!!!

I LOVE FRIDAYS!!!! Who doesn't!? The only day that you know you have two days off, like everybody else. Well not if your a caterer, chef or me! Friday is our busiest day of the week. Cafe is bustling, phone ringing off the hook! It's the sweet smell of success! Not to mention that everyone is happy. And it's the onde day you cheat on your diet.

I urge people to order that cup cake. Or have french fries instead of salad with there burger. Every Friday might as well be Christmas!!!! I am giddy with the thought that Saturday comes next! I can almost smell the bacon. The only day when I actually cook something for myself. Nothing beats a leisurely weekend breakfast.

I cannot emphasize enough that brunch, is the best meal of the day on Sunday! To bad Monday is always around the corner. It should be Friday everyday.


Heres Fridays recipe! Hope you enjoy it! have a great weekend And awesome Super Bowl Party!

Misty's Wings (My Sister In Law sales wings at the Green Market in Boca here is her recipe.)


24 Chicken Mini Wings or Drumettes
1 Tbsp of Kosher Salt
1 Tbsp of Black Pepper
1 Tbsp of Ground Chilli Pepper
1/2 Cup of Honey
1 Cup of Your Favorite BBQ Sauce ( I like Kraft Original)
1 Tbsp of Crushed Garlic
1/2 Cup of Loive Oil

Directions

Pre Heat Oven to 450 degrees.

Wash chicken and place in a collander. Let dry. In a bowl combine all dry ingredients. Place wings in a seperate bowl and add olive oil then dry rub. Place chicken on (2) Cookie Sheets. Line with Parchment Paper. Place an oven and bake for 20 minutes.

Combine Honey, BBQ Sauce & Crushed Garlic. Remove wings from oven and brush on BBQ Sauce Mixture. Place the wings back in the oven and bake for 15 minutes or until crispy.

Serve with Celery, Carrots & Bleu Cheese Dip.

Eco Friendly! Yeah Right!!!

For everyone who claims to be " Eco Friendly" GUESS WHAT??? YOUR NOT!!!! Today I managed to count 10 bottles of water that had been left with one sip. And at least 8sodas that were half full! WTF! HELLO!! People!!!! Recycling and being "Green" does not mean leaving bottles of water and soda around. After only a few sips. I am at the point where I want to make people drink from a soda fountain with a recycled cup. I hate waste and especially hate floaters!!!! Get a clue! Drink your soda or put your name on your water bottle! 20 people for lunch = to much unessecary garbage!

Thanks for killing more polar bears!!!!!

The Hump

So it's Wednesday. The worst day of the week as far as I am concerned. Why? Because you know tomorrow is Thursday and you can see the weekend coming!People also eat differently on the hump day. Maybe they decide to brown bag it or skip lunch and run errands. Anyway it is the slowest day at the cafe, which is both good and bad. It gives us an up on the rush for Thursday & Friday. But makes going to work on Wednesday almost seem like a waste of time. I am laughing as I write this.

Is Wednesday the new Monday!? On Thursday people are more cheerful, on the hump day people are more quiet. Friday is an all out happy hour! Once that clock turns to five it might as well be New Years! So when you go to work next week. Try switching it around. Make Wednesday the new Friday! Please!!! For every cafe owner in the world. Even my Philly Cheese Burger couldn't get a break today.

Hope your day was a PICNIC!

xoxo,

Wade

The Icon

Every now and then I get a little star struck. In this case I am in total awe! Last week were the Grammy's. And I happend to be invited to one of the hottest Grammty parties in town. I don't want to seem like I am on a high horse or anything. But this party was one that I really had to go to. John Varvatos was one of my first clients when I started PICNIC! Since then I have tried to pursue the same caliber of people to work with. When I first started with JV and his team, I was so honored. They are wonderful, stylish and fun. With their New York attitude and oblivion to LA celebrity. It was a great introduction on working with a real, no attitude ensemble. I first met JV while driving down Robertson Blvd. Funny right? As soon as I saw the larger than life COMING SOON billboard, I knew that I had to somehow get that party. At least get in with the fashion elite. Well I did...and have felt like part of the family ever since.

Five years later after winning numerous fashion awards and sitting on the council for the CFDA. John Varvatos remains John Varvatos. Always with a smile, hand shake and hug he greats me. Not to mention the numerous suits, shirts, jeans and sunglasses that he has provided to me. Why? I don't know? Maybe because he is just a good guy. His character speaks to a lot of people. Any man who likes well made clothes with a classic style, wears JV. Including me. I might not be a big celebrity, but JV has always treated me like one. That's why he is an icon and a friend. What a PICNIC to be in his company! Lucky me!!!!

Daily Menu

Well..the weekend is over and it's back to work. Nobody likes MONDAY! Not even Oprah & Martha Stewart! So how the f%&K do you feed a bunch of overworked nine to fivers? You create a daily menu so everyday you have something different. It might sound insane, but some how it actually works...well. Go figure!

Each day the lovely people of Higuera & Hayden get a special freshly made lunch menu. Since Monday is our slowest day in the cafe. I usually create a dish, that I would want to eat. Might sound a little selfish, but I am the hardest person to please. With regards to food..ha ha! Today I wanted a awesome Cobb Salad. So today everyone had a Cobb Salad. It has all the ingredients that make for the perfect Monday lunch. After bingeing all weekend and still feeling a little hungover from two days of bliss. You figure you want to keep it healty. And at the same time,a little naughty. And that's what a Cobb Salad is. It's the Devil & Angel salad on your shoulder. It's got lettuce, tomato & avocado. But it also has apple wood smoked bacon, hard boiled egg & gorgonzola. The "Perfect Storm" of salad perfection!

I could eat it everyday! And fotunately a lot of people did. Try it the next time you have those Monday blues. But make sure you get it from a good place. Nobody likes a crappy Cobb....