As an avid sports fan I follow just about all sports. I guess it could be the fact that my dad never had a boy or that I loved the feeling of winning as a child (positive attention) but sports has been just as much therapy to me as well, therapy itself. Let me explain...
When I was eight years old, my parents took me to the Michigan State University vs. USC Rose Bowl Game in Pasadena, CA. I remember putting on my Green and White with so much pride (that was then, now I'm a true Blue-U of M fan only). I was a little girl then but knew how important that game was. When the clock turned to 0 and the Spartans had won, I was crying tears of joy. It was celebration and jubilation and pure joy!
When I was growing up and the weekend was almost near, I would get just excited about the Saturday college football schedule as I would having to socialize or sleep over at a friends house.
Another memory...I remember being 14 years old and watching the Toronto Blue Jays on TV late on a Saturday night. My parents came home from dinner with their friends and "caught me" watching the game late at night. I remember feeling so excited that I could stay up late to see the Blue Jays win the 1993 World Series. What was it that made that night so exciting? I was 14, and wanted to stay home and watch the game instead of go out with friends to hang out.
Sports has carried me through...it was my first true passion even before Food and Wine and Psychology. Sports has a way of creating resiliency in children. After school programs allow children to stay safe by extending their days at school. It gives children a chance to learn about winning and losing as well as how to be a part of a team. These are big lessons for a child. Sports gives you that same kind of belonging as family. I remember having a softball teammate that was homeless. No one knew she was homeless until after High School. Looking back, her team was her family. It's the place you can work hard and see results. It's the time when you can leave it all out there and deal with consequences later. Sports is my Foodie Therapy...it is my passion, my outlet, and most importantly, the place that gives me a natural balance...in mind and body.
I am an LA fan-Lakers, Dodgers, Galaxy, UCLA, USC. Watching the game last night was a combination of my own version of Foodie Therapy, Sports Therapy and Indulgence on a Budget. Let's go Lakers!
This upcoming Memorial Day Weekend, I'll be off with my family to Ojai. Stay tuned to next week where I'll be reviewing the Ojai Valley Inn, a few restaurants, and the Lompoc Wine Ghetto (the most exciting new spot to wine taste in Lompoc).
Have a safe and Happy Memorial Day weekend!
Dr. Rach-Foodie Therapy
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Indulgence on a Budget
A few years ago when I was a typical starving graduate student, Marla and I decided we wouldn't give up ALL the things we loved. We came up with a way to indulge...but on a budget. Here are some tips on how to indulge on a budget.
Tip 1: Anytime you have cash (from a tutoring gig or babysitting or the ATM), put $20 into a special box or envelope hidden somewhere you won't touch until you are ready to spend it.
Tip 2: Have a goal. Decide where you want to go and how much you will need to get there. Write the goal amount on that box or envelope and don't touch it until you go.
Tip 3: Talk to your travel agent (ours is obviously Mari Marks from Pro Travel in Encino, CA). You can ask your travel agent for suggestions, what to look for in terms of specials or discounts, and good ways to save.
Tip 4: Plan your trip. Look at free websites such as tripadvisor, or the local city guide website to get an overview of events going on in that town when you are visiting. Look for free days/nights at a museum, local art shows, or wine tastings with nominal fees.
Tip 5: Enjoy the time you are away. You worked hard to save and when you travel, don't get caught up in how long it takes to get there, or how annoyed you are with the airline delay because that is part of the journey.
What I just described was how to indulge on a budget say if you are planning a trip...but most of my days I indulge on a budget by appreciating the very little things...reading the paper in the morning, taking a walk to Starbucks, people watching, calling a friend who lives out of town.
Tonight the way I will indulge on a budget is by cooking. I am not leaving the house to buy groceries, I am just taking what I already have and making dinner for Marla and my best friend Ilana. I am using frozen chicken breast, a box of quinoa, and whatever veggies are left from the week to make a healthy, inexpensive meal. The indulge part of this is not only the joy I have in making the dinner, but sharing it with my favorite people. Oh, and opening a bottle of wine from our small collection (right now we have about 150 bottles). Tonight is about Laker pride (come on already), friendship, and food.
However you indulge on a budget (and everyone's budget is different)...remember that Foodie Therapy is what you make of it. It can be a Steak at Cut, a Kogi truck taco, or just a simple dinner at home with friends.
Tip 1: Anytime you have cash (from a tutoring gig or babysitting or the ATM), put $20 into a special box or envelope hidden somewhere you won't touch until you are ready to spend it.
Tip 2: Have a goal. Decide where you want to go and how much you will need to get there. Write the goal amount on that box or envelope and don't touch it until you go.
Tip 3: Talk to your travel agent (ours is obviously Mari Marks from Pro Travel in Encino, CA). You can ask your travel agent for suggestions, what to look for in terms of specials or discounts, and good ways to save.
Tip 4: Plan your trip. Look at free websites such as tripadvisor, or the local city guide website to get an overview of events going on in that town when you are visiting. Look for free days/nights at a museum, local art shows, or wine tastings with nominal fees.
Tip 5: Enjoy the time you are away. You worked hard to save and when you travel, don't get caught up in how long it takes to get there, or how annoyed you are with the airline delay because that is part of the journey.
What I just described was how to indulge on a budget say if you are planning a trip...but most of my days I indulge on a budget by appreciating the very little things...reading the paper in the morning, taking a walk to Starbucks, people watching, calling a friend who lives out of town.
Tonight the way I will indulge on a budget is by cooking. I am not leaving the house to buy groceries, I am just taking what I already have and making dinner for Marla and my best friend Ilana. I am using frozen chicken breast, a box of quinoa, and whatever veggies are left from the week to make a healthy, inexpensive meal. The indulge part of this is not only the joy I have in making the dinner, but sharing it with my favorite people. Oh, and opening a bottle of wine from our small collection (right now we have about 150 bottles). Tonight is about Laker pride (come on already), friendship, and food.
However you indulge on a budget (and everyone's budget is different)...remember that Foodie Therapy is what you make of it. It can be a Steak at Cut, a Kogi truck taco, or just a simple dinner at home with friends.
A Honeymooners Foodie Therapy-La Villa Mahana, Bora Bora
I was recently on my honeymoon in April and thanks to my amazing travel agent mother, Marla and I had a dinner reservation at La Villa Mahana (another spot that requires planning-call at least six weeks in advance). This is a once in a lifetime dinner. The kind of experience to share with the person you love. Getting there is an adventure in itself...
First, when you are in Bora Bora, you take a small boat from the motu (small island) that your hotel is at to the main part of the island. A van picks you up in front of a Pearl store right at 7:15pm for their one seating dinner at 7:30pm. When you pull up to the restaurant you are instantly smiling. This is a gem. A house decorated like a villa in Italy or France. This nine table top restaurant has a main dining room with five tables, a room upstairs with two tables and a private table overlooking the courtyard. Marla and I were fortunate enough to have that table for two.
The menu is full of local and French influence. There is an option of two prix fixed menus: one is the Exotic and the other is the Epicurean. The Exotic menu is a four course feast for 69 euros while the menu Epicurean is a six course meal for 105 euros. Instantly, Marla and I both decided on the Epicurean menu with wine pairings. This was our honeymoon. Foodie Therapy-the ability to enjoy life, food, in the moment, indulge and of course balance.
We started with dishes that resembled artwork. Chef Damien uses only the freshest ingredients and his French training comes through in his ability to let the quality of the product speak for itself. He greets you out of his busy kitchen (he's the only one in the kitchen) and takes your order. Because Marla is allergic to shellfish, Chef Damien asked her what she would like instead of the lobster risotto. This is a place that is personal, real, and magical.
When you start by talking about bread, you know you are on the right track. The bread comes out warm from the oven and a little green wrapped package sits in a basket next to it. Curiosity takes over. The waitress happily shares that it is a Polynesian staple-coconut bread. This is easily compared to a Los Angeles classic-the tamale, although firmer in texture.
The menu begins with seared ahi tuna served simply over greens, poached potatoes with a vanilla bean oil drizzle. Each bite was harder and harder to contain the feeling that we were eating someones masterpiece. We giggled and smiled like little girls experiencing something for the first time. It was that good.
Our next courses we enjoyed curried mahi mahi, foi gras, lobster risotto...just a note, the portions were huge. Each course was big enough to share...in the US, these portions would be normal in Texas. The soundtrack in the background creates ambiance as romantic as being on a movie screen...Borcelli, Armstrongs "What a Wonderful World," and Diana Krall.
We continued on with fillet the size of our head and white cheddar gnocchi. The fillet was covered in a port wine reduction. We were so full from the other courses, it was rough getting through this one. But, we were so in the moment...each bite felt worth the stomach pains.
Before I get to dessert, let me discuss the wine. The wine list was full of French Burgundy and Bordeaux. Since Tahiti is run by the French government, the variety of wines at most restaurants there revolve around France. Which is a good thing. As part of the wine pairing, you feel like you are moving your way around French wine country. We had Champagne, Chablis, and Burgundy...some of the more popular wineries were paired with our food...for example, Joseph Drohin, one of my favorite.
For dessert, we both ordered huge chocolate lava cakes (of course we didn't get to each much of it, but the pics are great). It was a lovely and decadent end to a completely indulgent meal.
This meal is not cheap. Actually, you will spend more on this meal than an average week or two of dining out in the states. But, you MUST experience it. As a self proclaimed FOODIE, I have to say, this is one of the top 5 experiences I have had in my culinary exploration. The ambiance, food, wine, music and overall experience was what I keep returning to as I remember my honeymoon.
As you leave, you realize how what you experienced was not normal. It is not something to do more than once (or twice if you are lucky) in your lifetime. It is a privilege, as Foodie Therapy as you can get, and in times of struggle, a place in your mind to go to where things just don't get much better. We left for our boat singing Hakuna Matata...there are no worries.
La villa Mahana
b.p. 941 Amanahune, Bora Bora, French Polynesia
tel/fax: 00(689)675063
from United States: 011 689 675063
damien@villamahana.com
First, when you are in Bora Bora, you take a small boat from the motu (small island) that your hotel is at to the main part of the island. A van picks you up in front of a Pearl store right at 7:15pm for their one seating dinner at 7:30pm. When you pull up to the restaurant you are instantly smiling. This is a gem. A house decorated like a villa in Italy or France. This nine table top restaurant has a main dining room with five tables, a room upstairs with two tables and a private table overlooking the courtyard. Marla and I were fortunate enough to have that table for two.
The menu is full of local and French influence. There is an option of two prix fixed menus: one is the Exotic and the other is the Epicurean. The Exotic menu is a four course feast for 69 euros while the menu Epicurean is a six course meal for 105 euros. Instantly, Marla and I both decided on the Epicurean menu with wine pairings. This was our honeymoon. Foodie Therapy-the ability to enjoy life, food, in the moment, indulge and of course balance.
We started with dishes that resembled artwork. Chef Damien uses only the freshest ingredients and his French training comes through in his ability to let the quality of the product speak for itself. He greets you out of his busy kitchen (he's the only one in the kitchen) and takes your order. Because Marla is allergic to shellfish, Chef Damien asked her what she would like instead of the lobster risotto. This is a place that is personal, real, and magical.
When you start by talking about bread, you know you are on the right track. The bread comes out warm from the oven and a little green wrapped package sits in a basket next to it. Curiosity takes over. The waitress happily shares that it is a Polynesian staple-coconut bread. This is easily compared to a Los Angeles classic-the tamale, although firmer in texture.
The menu begins with seared ahi tuna served simply over greens, poached potatoes with a vanilla bean oil drizzle. Each bite was harder and harder to contain the feeling that we were eating someones masterpiece. We giggled and smiled like little girls experiencing something for the first time. It was that good.
Our next courses we enjoyed curried mahi mahi, foi gras, lobster risotto...just a note, the portions were huge. Each course was big enough to share...in the US, these portions would be normal in Texas. The soundtrack in the background creates ambiance as romantic as being on a movie screen...Borcelli, Armstrongs "What a Wonderful World," and Diana Krall.
We continued on with fillet the size of our head and white cheddar gnocchi. The fillet was covered in a port wine reduction. We were so full from the other courses, it was rough getting through this one. But, we were so in the moment...each bite felt worth the stomach pains.
Before I get to dessert, let me discuss the wine. The wine list was full of French Burgundy and Bordeaux. Since Tahiti is run by the French government, the variety of wines at most restaurants there revolve around France. Which is a good thing. As part of the wine pairing, you feel like you are moving your way around French wine country. We had Champagne, Chablis, and Burgundy...some of the more popular wineries were paired with our food...for example, Joseph Drohin, one of my favorite.
For dessert, we both ordered huge chocolate lava cakes (of course we didn't get to each much of it, but the pics are great). It was a lovely and decadent end to a completely indulgent meal.
This meal is not cheap. Actually, you will spend more on this meal than an average week or two of dining out in the states. But, you MUST experience it. As a self proclaimed FOODIE, I have to say, this is one of the top 5 experiences I have had in my culinary exploration. The ambiance, food, wine, music and overall experience was what I keep returning to as I remember my honeymoon.
As you leave, you realize how what you experienced was not normal. It is not something to do more than once (or twice if you are lucky) in your lifetime. It is a privilege, as Foodie Therapy as you can get, and in times of struggle, a place in your mind to go to where things just don't get much better. We left for our boat singing Hakuna Matata...there are no worries.
La villa Mahana
b.p. 941 Amanahune, Bora Bora, French Polynesia
tel/fax: 00(689)675063
from United States: 011 689 675063
damien@villamahana.com
http://www.villamahana.com/
Wine list rating: B+
Try the wine pairings if you want to learn about French wine-you get 5 pours with the Epicurean menu.
If you know wine, buy a bottle of Montrachet or Burgundy or both...cheers!
Wine list rating: B+
Try the wine pairings if you want to learn about French wine-you get 5 pours with the Epicurean menu.
If you know wine, buy a bottle of Montrachet or Burgundy or both...cheers!
Monday, May 24, 2010
Gjelina
Last weekend, my wife Marla and I went to dinner at Gjelina in Venice with her best friend and her best friends new girlfriend. Talk about a place where you should feel no pressure. Gjelina is loud and fun. This is the quintessential Los Angeles Foodie spot. There is probably nothing there not to like (unless you are looking for a quiet evening). I have read Yelp reviews about the bad service, but that was not my experience. Gjelina is perfect.
We sat inside at a corner table looking out at the lively restaurant. The waiter was friendly and for a restaurant with a six week wait list and 2 hour wait to be seated, he took the time to greet us, have a small sip of the Mi Sueno 2007 Chardonnay (a typical Napa Valley Chard with lots of oak and buttery notes) we brought from home, and tell us about his favorite menu items.
It is hard not to order the entire menu as it is loaded with farmers market ingredients that scream seasonal and fresh. The chef does magic to the veggies. My favorite was the marinated artichoke with burrata as a starter. It had basil oil, orange zest, and crispy shallots on top. It melted in your mouth. Foodie Therapy begins.
We had roasted sunchokes (also called Jerusalem artichoke) with salsa verde. Sunchokes are a root vegetable that almost taste like a slimy potatoe. They were delicious. Our waiter added that some of the more popular dishes that customers order are the Shishito Peppers, Turnips, and Cauliflour. At $8 a plate, any of these veggies are a good way to start your meal.
The mushroom toast was a table hit, with creme fraiche, truffle oil and a variety of hen of the wood mushrooms on toast...it was rich and perfect to share for two. I paired it with a Neyers 2007 Syrah ( a spicy wine with a punch) to go with the mushrooms and pizza.
Next we had pizza-now this is supposedly the reason to come to Gjelina (besides the veg) and now I understand why. The crust is super thin and crispy. The toppings are creative. We tried the Gruyere with caramelized onions and the gorgeous shaved asparagus, shallot, and runny egg pizza. Both were a hit. For the westside of LA, I cannot think of a better pizza. It definitely rivals Pizzeria Mozza on La Brea which is a little bit smaller pizza but just as interesting choices of toppings. I was eyeing the grilled radicchio, bacon, fontina and tomato confit pizza for my next visit.
To finish our meal, we tried the butterscotch pot du creme with sea salt and the banana chocolate bread pudding. Both desserts were a perfect end to an evening of laughter and
and yes, we liked our friends new girlfriend a lot. On our way out I made a reservation for my Dad's 55th B'day in July. I know, it's May...but Gjelina is worth the wait. And, as you will learn, I am a bit of a planner.
I recommend going this summer, go with a group of 6 friends, sit outside, and order a little of everything....remember, this is Foodie Therapy. Indulge, enjoy, and tomorrow you can go to the gym.
Information:
http://www.gjelina.com
1429 Abbot Kinney Boulevard
Venice, CA 90291-3740
(310) 450-1429
Open for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner M-F 11:30-midnight; Sat-Sund Brunch until 3pm
Wine corkage: $20 (if you know wine, bring your own)
Wine list rating: a B (mostly around $50 a bottle)
This is a wine and beer spot only.
As you can see, we did not even get to the large plates. If you have a recommendation of a large plate dish you've enjoyed, I'd love to hear all about it!
We sat inside at a corner table looking out at the lively restaurant. The waiter was friendly and for a restaurant with a six week wait list and 2 hour wait to be seated, he took the time to greet us, have a small sip of the Mi Sueno 2007 Chardonnay (a typical Napa Valley Chard with lots of oak and buttery notes) we brought from home, and tell us about his favorite menu items.
It is hard not to order the entire menu as it is loaded with farmers market ingredients that scream seasonal and fresh. The chef does magic to the veggies. My favorite was the marinated artichoke with burrata as a starter. It had basil oil, orange zest, and crispy shallots on top. It melted in your mouth. Foodie Therapy begins.
We had roasted sunchokes (also called Jerusalem artichoke) with salsa verde. Sunchokes are a root vegetable that almost taste like a slimy potatoe. They were delicious. Our waiter added that some of the more popular dishes that customers order are the Shishito Peppers, Turnips, and Cauliflour. At $8 a plate, any of these veggies are a good way to start your meal.
The mushroom toast was a table hit, with creme fraiche, truffle oil and a variety of hen of the wood mushrooms on toast...it was rich and perfect to share for two. I paired it with a Neyers 2007 Syrah ( a spicy wine with a punch) to go with the mushrooms and pizza.
Next we had pizza-now this is supposedly the reason to come to Gjelina (besides the veg) and now I understand why. The crust is super thin and crispy. The toppings are creative. We tried the Gruyere with caramelized onions and the gorgeous shaved asparagus, shallot, and runny egg pizza. Both were a hit. For the westside of LA, I cannot think of a better pizza. It definitely rivals Pizzeria Mozza on La Brea which is a little bit smaller pizza but just as interesting choices of toppings. I was eyeing the grilled radicchio, bacon, fontina and tomato confit pizza for my next visit.
To finish our meal, we tried the butterscotch pot du creme with sea salt and the banana chocolate bread pudding. Both desserts were a perfect end to an evening of laughter and
and yes, we liked our friends new girlfriend a lot. On our way out I made a reservation for my Dad's 55th B'day in July. I know, it's May...but Gjelina is worth the wait. And, as you will learn, I am a bit of a planner.
I recommend going this summer, go with a group of 6 friends, sit outside, and order a little of everything....remember, this is Foodie Therapy. Indulge, enjoy, and tomorrow you can go to the gym.
Information:
http://www.gjelina.com
1429 Abbot Kinney Boulevard
Venice, CA 90291-3740
(310) 450-1429
Open for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner M-F 11:30-midnight; Sat-Sund Brunch until 3pm
Wine corkage: $20 (if you know wine, bring your own)
Wine list rating: a B (mostly around $50 a bottle)
This is a wine and beer spot only.
As you can see, we did not even get to the large plates. If you have a recommendation of a large plate dish you've enjoyed, I'd love to hear all about it!
Foodie Therapy
Everyone talks about retail therapy, exercise, and talk therapy as if those were the only ways you are supposed to work on yourself. I am a foodie, a psychologist, and after reading many blogs, food websites, and being addicted to eating out since I was a teenager, I am finally putting my passions together to share with you how Food and Therapy can come together to make just about everything ok.
First, let me share a personal story to illustrate how I got to being here today. I was recently laid off from an assistant director position in mental health. I came home and sat on my couch and realized...I'm free. Well, it wasn't that easy. But, I am free to create again. That is the link between therapy and food. Both processes are creative and allow the creator to go with their instinct. So much of my work as a therapist is about teaching others how to follow their instincts, to go with their gut, and to follow their passions. It is now time that I go after mine.
My goal is simple...to cook with gusto, to eat out and be present, and to balance-because that is life's most important lesson. I will balance work (private practice and other therapy opportunities that come my way) with my love of food. I will not go to Culinary School, will not try out for a food show, and definitely will not pretend to be something I am not. But, what I will do is learn through experience. I will eat out at restaurants, I will analyze wine, and I will help you create your own understanding of Foodie Therapy by showing you through my own journey.
All aboard!
First, let me share a personal story to illustrate how I got to being here today. I was recently laid off from an assistant director position in mental health. I came home and sat on my couch and realized...I'm free. Well, it wasn't that easy. But, I am free to create again. That is the link between therapy and food. Both processes are creative and allow the creator to go with their instinct. So much of my work as a therapist is about teaching others how to follow their instincts, to go with their gut, and to follow their passions. It is now time that I go after mine.
My goal is simple...to cook with gusto, to eat out and be present, and to balance-because that is life's most important lesson. I will balance work (private practice and other therapy opportunities that come my way) with my love of food. I will not go to Culinary School, will not try out for a food show, and definitely will not pretend to be something I am not. But, what I will do is learn through experience. I will eat out at restaurants, I will analyze wine, and I will help you create your own understanding of Foodie Therapy by showing you through my own journey.
All aboard!
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