Danger and the Disco Ball

I LOVE Christopher Danger Mendrala…yes Danger is his middle name.  Christopher is a Production Coordinator that I have been fortunate enough to work with on many projects.  He is quiet, at least around me, funny, super organized and as you can tell from the Disco Ball in the photos…very observant.  Christopher was a guest at my home recently for a party celebrating the 30th birthday of the associate producer on a certain Food Network show.  He must have observed my diminutive and pathetic disco ball collection on an “art landing” at our house, because he brought me the mother of all disco balls last week.  I love the ball and the magical reflections it makes in our stairwell at certain times of the day.  When I look at it I will think of Danger…the good Danger.  Thank you Christopher for you and all you do for me to help make my job even more of a pleasure.

The Dangerous time of the day when all things are magical. Note: The "S" is a wonderful find from the warehouse at The Greenbrier circa Dorothy Draper

Is it two Peter Keil paintings or three...I can't tell...one seems to be drinking

Christopher IS magical...look what he just blew out of his nose...

Zebra or Leopard?

I picked up these two “kashware” throws at a spa in Taos, NM.  Had never heard of the brand before.  They are so soft, chic and are said to wash up like new.  I can’t decide whether to use the zebra or leopard in the living room.  Thoughts?

Zebra Choice

Leopard Choice

Top Chef Masters…my vote

We were lucky enough to have Bravo TV’s new show Top Chef Masters’ contestant John Besh as a guest recently on Paula’s Best Dishes.  Ladies…John Besh is DREAMY.  Gentlemen…John’s wife is equally delicious!  We had such a fun time with them and they were both so gracious.  Not every guest appreciates the humor of this crew, star and me…the unflappable and “colorful” head food stylist.  I filled them in on the gossip of this wonderful town we live in, and they compared it to the gossip of their town…New Orleans.   All sounded deliciously the same!!! Loves!   Chef Besh made an amazing and simple dish that we all devoured.  Busters and Grits.  Which translates to fried softshell crabs with mascarpone grits and a rich crab pan sauce.  I have to give my wonderful food stylist Lynne Calamia her big props for rocking out one kick ass crab stock for the sauce and putting the remaining stock in a jar labled for me!  J’adore Lynne.  I can’t speak for everyone on the set of PBD, but my vote goes to Chef John Besh for Top Chef Master!

The Culinary Crew of Paula's Best Dishes and dreamy guest Chef John Besh

Above image is Chef John Besh’s Busters and Grits.  Image shot by Chia Chong and styled by yours truly for a possible magazine cover.

Moving up the coast

Family in Rancho Cucamonga…Food in Santa Barbara.

Peggy and Andrew...cocks and Guacs

Andrew and just a couple of the birds under the big top

Josh, Don...one half of the best hosts ever and Leslie smiling

Outing to the Huntington Library

Gainsboroughs

Cat that thinks it's a dog (the ONLY reason I took a photo)

Finally…brunch around the corner from Oprah’s house in Montecito.  I don’t know what was better…the food…drink…or seeing Gayle working the Sunday morning gate house shift.

CAVA Rocked.  Thank you for great service and UHmazing food.      http://www.cavarestaurant.com

The blood of Jesus... with an "H"

California Catch Up

I regret to inform you that I have not blogged in two months…I hope that you don’t regret that I have started again.  I’ll try and catch you up….first stop California.   Inspiration and family found.  Patience nearly lost.

Leaving Dana Point for a day of yachting...Josh going to the dark side on a motor yacht

Yacht Captain and United Airlines Captain...which is which?

Sea Lions

Terri, Josh and the Pinatas

Kaley and Camille

Mexican Herbage

Mexican Brioche