The Traveling Diva » World Festivals Diva

TASTE OF PLAYA Event a Huge Success on the Riviera Maya

The Diva — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 20:01:59 +0000

When it comes to world festivals, this diva is honored to have been one of the thousands attending the second annual Taste of Playa 2010.� As incredible as the food was, it was only upstaged by its organizers, putting together the event with competence, grace and passion for all things culinary.

Sunday, November 21, 2010, 43 of the Riviera Maya’s most talented chefs, restaurateurs, beverage purveyors and specialty food merchants gathered in the Parque Fundadores, just steps from the beaches of Playa del Carmen, to present their signature dishes and culinary creations to over 7000 local residents and visitors to the popular Mexican Caribbean city.

The event far exceeded our expectations this year!’ reported event Chairperson Nicola Inwood. The small businesses who made up the participants in both the restaurant and marketplace areas truly reflected the international influences that make up the modern Riviera Maya. The local restaurants, bars and food retailers represented this year offered truly world class dishes for food lovers from across the globe who came to enjoy the Caribbean sun and experience the best of traditional Mexican and international cuisine.

The Travel Channel’s Mark DeCarlo was the celebrity host of this culinary festival and worked through the crowd talking with guests, meeting the participants and sponsors and signing copies of his new book, ‘A Fork on the Road, 400 Cities One Stomach’. A popular new attraction for the Taste of Playa 2010 event was the cooking demonstration area. Throughout the day, Mr. DeCarlo hosted a series of informative and humorous demonstrations of regional dishes with Chefs from the region. These presentations attracted quite a crowd and added a new level of fun to an already exciting day.

The members of the Volunteer Executive Committee are pleased to be able to make a significant charitable contribution to the Rotary Club of Playa del Carmen, the beneficiary of this year’s event proceeds and are already making plans for 2011. Following the overwhelming success of this year’s event, Corporate Sponsors have been eager to commit their support and restaurants that were unable to secure a spot for this year have started to sign on early for Taste of Playa 2011.

Taste of Playa is a community-focused culinary event that celebrates the creativity and diverse cultural influences of chefs throughout the Riviera Maya. Taste of Playa 2010 took place on November 21, 2010, in Playa del Carmen’s Parque Fundadores. The event was open to the public, with tickets and all-inclusive VIP passes available for sale on the official event website http://www.tasteofplaya.com. Proceeds from the event will go to a food education program initiated by the Rotary Club in Playa del Carmen that will directly benefit the children and families of the Riviera Maya.

Taste of Playa Festival welcomes US Travel Channel host Mark DeCarlo

The Diva — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 16:30:12 +0000

Taste of Playa is an annual culinary event in Playa del Carmen that celebrates the creativity and cultural influences of chefs throughout the Riviera Maya. The event promotes the unique culinary perspectives of local chefs, highlights new event venues and coordinates the efforts of local businesses and municipal governments. In 2009, Taste of Playa captured the attention of national and international media and showed the spirit of multi-cultural cooperation that defines the modern Riviera Maya.

International culinary festivals are held throughout the world, with each host city highlighting the chefs, restaurants and retail food outlets that define the culture of the area. Playa del Carmen is renowned for its diversity, its international influences, its culinary expertise and its Caribbean lifestyle. The restaurants and food industry have played a major part in the development and definition of the Riviera Maya. This event provides local businesses with an opportunity to showcase the expertise of their talented chefs.

Originally named Xaman-Ha (waters of the north) by the ancient Maya, modern day Playa del Carmen is the heart of the Riviera Maya. Located on the coast 40 miles (60 kms.) south of Cancun, Playa, as it is now commonly known, is the perfect base of operations from which to explore the incredible sites of this fascinating region. Famous for its pristine beaches, clear blue waters, and Caribbean lifestyle, Playa del Carmen is a place for those in search of an extraordinary vacation destination. The friendly people, the vibrant indigenous culture, and the remarkable biodiversity all contribute to a unique travel experience that will stay with visitors long after their suntan fades. Once a quiet seaside fishing village, Playa del Carmen has doubled its population in the past decade, attracting new residents from around the globe. Europeans, South Americans, Americans and Canadians have discovered this little slice of paradise, and have set up permanent homes as well as a myriad of internationally influenced businesses.

The event location, Parque Fundadores, commemorates the Founders of Playa del Carmen and is a significant historical location within the city. Originally a community gathering spot where residents obtained their water, food and basic living essentials, this seaside location was the market hub for the then small village. As the population grew and the city expanded, the park evolved into a center for entertainment and events, with local businesses and vendors setting up shop around this central point. The current Municipal President, Prof. Roman Quian, has brought life back into this important community area and rejuvenated the site under the program ‘Rescate de los Sitios Publicos’. Playa del Carmen’s only beachfront park has been thoughtfully renovated to include public seating and shade, a play area for children and their families and a beautiful bandstand. The local vendors have remained, selling their wares, just as they have for generations.

The event is scheduled for November 21, 2010 in the Parque Fundadores from 3 pm to 9 pm. Local businesses and sponsors are supporting the operations of this food focused event, leaving chefs free to concentrate on the execution of their creations. Government and media support will promote this festival to local residents and tourists alike, inviting everyone to sample creations that normally they may not have the opportunity to enjoy.

Admission to Taste of Playa is free to the public with all inclusive VIP Passes and Taste of Playa “Pesos” available for sale. The Taste of Playa Pesos are used to purchase the signature dishes offered. Samples will have a value of 1 or 2 Taste of Playa “Pesos” (10 to 20 pesos in value). Taste of Playa “Pesos” and VIP Passes may be purchased at the event, ordered in advance or purchased online.

In addition to sampling dishes from some of the best culinary talent on the Riviera Maya, festival attendees will be able to shop at the Taste of Playa Marketplace. The Marketplace is the event’s retail outlet where each year, a collection of food merchants will be invited to promote and sell their specialty food products. This venue proudly showcases a variety of local small businesses whose products will contribute to the overall experience of the event. Tourists and residents alike will have the opportunity to sample and purchase distinctive items and regionally prepared products.

The event schedule has the media entering at 2 pm in the press area, VIPs and Corporate Sponsors at 2 pm and general admission at 3 pm. The event closes at 9 pm.

Corporate Sponsors for Taste of Playa 2010 include:

Title Sponsor: Habanero: Chili Piquin: LocoGringo.com, Yucatan Holidays Serrano: Grupo MSM Alquiladora, Wanna Lounge Chipotle: Deli-Playa, Acanto Condo Hotel, Mayaqueb Constructor Jalapeno: Buy Playa Real Estate Advisors VIP Lounge: Wicky’s Restaurant and Beach Club Poblano: Cultura Culture Xactic: Buy Playa Real Estate Advisors, Abyss Dive Center, Latido de Mexico, Playa Rentals, Hotel Tropical Casablanca, Yoga by the Way, North American Standards, Latin Latitudes

An up to date list of Sponsors, Restaurant and Marketplace participants will also be available on the webpage at www.tasteofplaya.com/restaurants and www.tasteofplaya.com/sponsors.

This year, the organizers of Taste of Playa 2010 have signed on a celebrity host, Travel and Food Expert, Mark DeCarlo, to team up with local chefs during the event. Mr. DeCarlo, host of the hit comedy/food show on the Travel Channel “Taste of America with Mark DeCarlo”, traveled the United States collecting recipes and characters for over four seasons. All the best morsels from his travels appear in his new book, “A Fork on the Road: 400 Cities One Stomach”, published in September 2010 by Lyons Press which will make its Mexico debut at the event November 21, 2010. As he moves across North America, Mark’s traveling comedy and cooking show will be chronicled in daily Podcasts available to 60 MILLION fans via MSN and WhereTraveler.com.

Throughout the day, Mark will be conducting a series of food demonstrations with local chefs highlighting the unique recipes of the Mexican Caribbean, signing copies of his new book and sampling dishes from the 40 participating restaurants and beverage providers.

Each year, Taste of Playa will donate proceeds from the event to a local non-profit food or clean water program. The goal of the committee is to help develop and sustain community programs that will have a positive effect on the residents of Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya.

Proceeds from Taste of Playa 2009 were awarded to Ak Lu’um International School, Playa del Carmen’s only non-profit learning institution. Funds raised by Taste of Playa 2009 provided the school with clean, safe drinking water for students, teachers and volunteers for the 2009/2010 school year.

This year’s donation will go to a new food education program implemented by the Rotarians of Playa del Carmen, in an effort to educate local children and families about the importance of nutrition, nutritional balance and the use of local produce and resources to maintain a healthy diet. The Rotary Club brings together business and professional leaders to provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the cities and areas where we live.

Taste of Playa Executive Committee Members develop, execute and market this International Event.

The committee members for Taste of Playa 2010 are Nicola Inwood, Executive Chairperson and owner of Hotel Tropical CasaBlanca, Gabi Waldert, Graphics Committee Chairperson and owner of Playa-Rentals , Ellen de Jonge, Volunteer Committee Chairperson and owner of Yoga by the Way, Susan de Lima, Operations Committee Chairperson and owner of Latido de Mexico, Sherry Stevens, Marketplace Committee Chairperson and agent for One Stop Real Estate, Monica Hartlief, Restaurant Committee Chairperson and owner of Latido de Mexico, Mitch Gour, Sponsorship Committee Chairperson and freelance travel writer, Armando Elizalde, Finance Committee Chairman and owner of the online newspaper, MexicanCaribbeanToday.com, Michele Kinnon, Marketing Committee Chairperson and owner of Buy Playa Real Estate Advisors and Tyra Hamilton, Administrative liaison to the Executive Committee and agent for Yucatan Explorer. Each committee member has brought a unique set of skills and personal experiences crucial to the success of this exciting event.

The attendance for Taste of Playa 2009 has been estimated at over 3200 persons; which was comprised of local residents, tourists and media. The event attracted the support of 27 Corporate Sponsors. 25 restaurants participated, 65 volunteers supported the event operations, and 5 Marketplace participants sold their food items at the event. Testimonials from the event day are available at http://www.tasteofplaya.com/media/testimonials.html .

It is anticipated that 5000 people will attend Taste of Playa 2010, 65 volunteers will support event operations, 40 restaurants, 10 marketplace vendors and over 80 Corporate Sponsor representatives will participate in the event.

Date: November 21, 2010

Location: Parque Fundadores, Playa Del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico Playa del Carmen is located 45 minutes south of Cancun on the Mayan Riviera

Schedule: 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. rain or shine VIP, Press and Corporate Sponsor entrance at 2 p.m. General Admission at 3 p.m. Event closes at 9 p.m.

Event Goals: To execute a culinary event in Playa del Carmen that highlights the cultural inspiration and influence of 40 local chefs, restaurants and beverage providers and 10 food retailers, with the portion of the proceeds supporting a local not for profit community food program

Event Format: Admission to the event is free and open to the public with food sampling ranging in price from 10 pesos to 20 pesos. Musical entertainment will be provided by DJ SOMOS. Various seating areas, family recreation areas, rest room facilities and shade will be provided for attendees.

Sponsors: LocoGringo.com, Yucatan Holidays, Grupo MSM Alquiladora, Wanna Lounge, Deli-Playa, Acanto Condo Hotel, Mayaqueb Constructor, Buy Playa Real Estate Advisors, Wicky’s Restaurant and Beach Club, Cultura Culture, Latido de Mexico, Playa Rentals, Abyss Dive Center, Hotel Tropical Casablanca, Yoga By the Way, North American Standards, Latin Latitudes.

*A fully updated list can be found on the Taste of Playa website.

Participating

Restaurants: Lol Ha Restaurant, Dirty Martini Lounge, Bar Ranita, Tequila Barrel Bar and Grill, Luna Blue Hotel and Bar, Fusion Hotel and Beach Club, Wicky’s Restaurant and Beach Club, Off the Vine, Babes Noodles and Bar, La Casa del Agua, Ula Gula, La Casona de los Vinos, Zabor, Zenzi Beach Club, Turtle Bay Café and Bakery, John Gray’s Place, Diablito Cha Cha Cha, Los Aguachiles, Canibal Royal, Carboncitos, El Bistro de La Tortuga, Season Bistro, Cocina 38, Café Tropical, Chez Celine, Xocolatier, Byblos, Gynn’AK, Mom’s Bar, SWEco, Era Ora, Aventura Restaurant by Mahekal Beach Resort, El Puerto Restaurant at Fairmont Mayakoba.

Marketplace

Participants: Sapori di Casa, The Little Mexican Cooking School, DAC, Hot Lips Hot Sauce, Sabrina Pasteleria Italiana, Ah Cacao Chocolate Café, Café Kawa, Mayan Fiesta Rum Cake Co.

*A fully updated list can be found on the Taste of Playa website.

Event

Statistics: The attendance for Taste of Playa 2009 has been estimated at over 3200 persons; local residents, tourists and media. There were 27 Corporate Sponsors. 25 restaurants participated, 65 volunteers supported the event operations, and 5 marketplace participants sold their food items at the event.

It is estimated that 5000 people will attend Taste of Playa 2010, 65 volunteers will support event operations, 40 restaurants will be providing food samples, 10 marketplace vendors will be selling food products and over 80 corporate sponsor representatives will participate in the event.

THE 1st ANNUAL POPPA-PALOOZA BBQ, MUSIC AND COMEDY FESTIVAL ON FATHER’S DAY JUNE 20th 2010 AT THE HISTORIC ROUNDHOUSE IN AURORA, IL

The Diva — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 05:07:27 +0000

Hosted by Iconic WGN Radio Personality Steve Cochran, WGN-TV’s Mike Toomey, Patti Vasquez and Travel Channel’s Mark DeCarlo

The all-ages charity event features FREE BBQ, Live Blues Bands, Comedy Acts, Golf, Cooking Demonstrations and More!

Johnsonville Sausage invites you to celebrate this Father’s Day, Sunday June 20th, 2010 at Poppa-Palooza, a one-of-a-kind, all ages music and comedy festival featuring Chicago’s greatest personalities, musicians and comedians at America’s Historic Roundhouse in Aurora, IL. The phenomenal line-up includes legendary WGN radio personality Steve Cochran, WGN-TV’s Mike Toomey, with popular Chicago comedian Patty Vasquez, and Travel Channel’s Mark DeCarlo alongside the band Old Blues Eyes. Doors open at 5pm and festival continues until 11pm. America’s Historic Roundhouse is located at 205 N. Broadway, Aurora, IL 60505. Tickets are $25 for adults, $10 for children under 12. All tickets include two (2) FREE Johnsonville Brats and all Dads will receive a FREE raffle ticket. Tickets can be purchased by calling 630-264-2739 or visiting www.rh34.com .
Poppa-Palooza will include a fun-filled afternoon of golf contests, incredible raffle prices, live music & comedy, cooking demonstrations, competitions, a live auction and surprise guests. This event is geared to gives Dad’s a day off while helping to raise money for what they treasure most: kids. A portion of proceeds will go to benefit www.almosthomekids.org, an organization that enhances the lives of children facing serious and ongoing medical challenges.

“We’ve got an amazing venue here at America’s Roundhouse, great comedians and Old Blues Eyes will rock the Roundhouse! It’s a great way to celebrate Father’s Day in Aurora, helping the Almost Home Kids Foundation. Really, is there anything Dad’s love more than kids?” says Mark DeCarlo, Travel Channel host and leader of the band. “I mean besides golf, beer and BBQ cooked by someone else?”
“I love the Roundhouse and having nothing but fun on Father’s Day!” says Steve Cochran. “Don’t get Dad a tie. Get him tickets to Poppa-Palooza.”

POPPA-PALOOZA OFFICIAL LINE UP
Father’s Day, June 20^th, 2010
Festival 5-11PM. Doors open at 5PM. Show at 7PM.
5 PM DOORS OPEN

6 PM – 8 PM GOLFSMITH PUTTA-PALOOZA PUTTING CONTEST
Every player gets a $10 Goldsmith gift card. All 10 finalists will get a $25 Golfsmith card & Weber cookbook. Winner gets Grand Prize: A custom Fit set of MacGregor irons + driver + bag.

7 PM – 8:30 PM MUSIC
Blues from Mark DeCarlo and the band Old Blues Eyes www.oldblueseyes.com
8:30 PM RAFFLE/AUCTION
WGN Radio’s Steve Cochran and Mark DeCarlo host the live auction and award raffle prizes.

COMPETITION: Funniest WGN Listener comedy competition. Winner wins a showcase spot at a future Roundhouse Comedy night
9:00 – 11:00 PM COMEDY
Mark DeCarlo

Patti Vasquez
Mike Toomey
Steve Cochran

Plus
Poppa-Popular Raffles & Live Auctions
* Fender Strat signed by Buddy Guy donated by Guitar Center
* Weber S-310 Genesis Grill & accessories
* Bed & Breakfast Weekend at the Palmer House Hilton

* Gift Certificate from Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants
* 4 almost Front Row Cubs Tickets from Image Base
* A round of Golf with Steve Cochran at Bollingbrook Golf Club
* Custom-fit set of MacGregor Irons, driver + golf bag from Golfsmith
*Comfort Suites/Roundhouse weekend package
*Best Buy merchandise
*Dinner & show from Buddy Guy’s Legends Bar

* Plus more gifts and surprises

+++++++++++++++++++++

RECAP

EVENT: 1st Annual Poppa-Palooza 2010, a Father’s Day music and comedy celebration with BBQ, live music, comedy, games, live auction, raffles, prizes, cooking demonstrations, surprise guests, and great fun for the whole family benefiting AlmostHomeKids.org.

DATE/ TIME: Father’s Day June 20^th 2010 5pm-11pm

LOCATION: America’s Historic Roundhouse -205 N. Broadway, Aurora, IL 60505

TICKETS: Tickets are $25 for adults, $10 for children under 12 and ALL TICKETS INCLUDE TWO (2) FREE JOHNSONVILLE BRATS and All Dads get FREE RAFFLE TICKETS. Tickets for the festival are currently available for purchase by calling 630-264-2739 or online at www.rh34.com .

“JUST FOR LAUGHS” World’s Largest Humor Festival Kicks Off in Montréal July 6th

The Diva — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 15:33:33 +0000

Montréal’s 28^th edition of the Just For Laughs Festival presented by Videotron in association with Loto-Québec kicks off on July 6 and runs through July 17, 2010, followed by an Urban Arts street fair from July 17 to July 25 complete with parades of twins (some 1,000 pairs), triplets and multiple birth children from around the world! The laughs will be on tap 24/7 with a program where the spectacular meets the emotional.

The largest humor festival in the world, the Just For Laughs Festival features scores of stand-up comedy events, concerts, plays, skits, street theatre, parades and more fun than a barrel of monkeys. Headliners include John Leguizamo, Latin King of comedy and Emmy-award winning actor, who’ll present his new, uncensored one-man show, “Klass Klown”. Not to be missed are Cheech & Chong, the world’s favorite stoners who are back for a night of smokin’ hot comedy, hosting their own Videotron Just For Laughs Gala, Then there’s Pamela Anderson, the most downloaded woman in the world, who’ll host an hilariously high-concept evening with her Dancing with the Stars partner Damian Whitewood. For tickets, call 514-845-4069.

The free Urban Arts program that follows the Festival is quirkiness at its best – chockablock with every variety of passion, talent and licensed madness…all brought together into major events in public spaces. Beyond the Parade of Twins are majestic parades of fantastical characters who leave a mysterious impression in their wake; a huge outdoor dance party; wandering stilt troupes; Rock Band and Guitar Hero contests: a procession of tumblers, acrobats and other masters of imagination; light shows and pyrotechnics; face-painting and clowns, mimes and harlequins; and, if all this isn’t enough — Live-on-the-Street, the story of a musician wandering with his double bass, an instrument that thinks it’s a dog and socializes with the audience!

If your sides hurt from laughing, you can always explore the fabulous city of Montréal, Discover the Ice Age at the Montréal Science Center; run the Lachine Rapids in a jet boat; amble through the Montreal Botanical Gardens; or rocket up to 68 mph on the new Goliath roller coaster at La Ronde. In Old Montreal (the town was founded in 1642) are narrow streets lined with 19th-century buildings, many transformed into art galleries and cafés.

As for the culinary arts, Montreal is jam-packed with wonderful food and wine establishments (mwah!) and there are plenty of family-fare eateries as well. No fewer than five different Just For Laughs packages are available — from a one-night VIP Gala Evening to a five-night Laugh ‘n Pass package that includes a souvenir swag bag, three main floor tickets to one of the Videotron Just For Laughs galas, five tickets per person to a Club Series themed show, and more. Plus, there are a dozen hotels to choose among.

Check out the Just For Laughs Festival presented by Videotron web site: www.hahaha.com. For more information: Call 514-845-4069 or for reservations call 1 877 484-4242.

One Great Cause: the Venice Art Walk & Auctions Benefits Venice Family Clinic

The Diva — Mon, 17 May 2010 18:45:03 +0000

Saturday & Sunday, May 22 & 23

This is no ordinary art event! The Venice Art Walk & Auctions is a fundraiser for Venice Family Clinic, the largest free clinic in the country, and each ticket you purchase helps provide a medical visit for an uninsured person in need. (Purchases of art and tickets to Art & Architecture Tours go even further!) So bring a friend. Or two. Or ten. After all, taking care of the uninsured is good for karma. Click any of the links below for more information or to purchase tickets.

Art & Architecture Tour: Rustic Canyon: The Sequel
Saturday, May 22
Picking up where last year’s historic walking tour left off, Leo Marmol, FAIA, takes visitors deeper into this architecturally bountiful neighborhood, stopping to tour a fresh collection of homes representing the old and the new.
$175 per person, benefits Venice Family Clinic, includes lunch and reception
Art & Architecture Tour: Architects’ Homes in Venice and Santa Monica
Saturday, May 22
Explore homes that architects and designers built for themselves in this self-guided walking tour along the border of Venice and Santa Monica.
$100 per person, benefits Venice Family Clinic, includes reception

Art & Architecture Tour: Life and Style on Venice’s Walk Streets and Canals
Sunday, May 23
You can’t get more Venetian than this self-guided walking tour of homes on Venice’s charming walk streets and serene canals.
$100 per person, benefits Venice Family Clinic, includes Venice Art Walk & Auctions ticket

Venice Art Walk & Auctions
Sunday, May 23
The Los Angeles Times calls it “the granddaddy of them all.” For this one special day, more than 50 Venice artists open their studios or create special exhibits in equally special spaces around town. Back at the school, the silent art auction collects works by 400 Southern California artists under one roof. Great Westside restaurants serve up the nourishment you’ll need to see it all, and there’s even free parking and shuttle buses.
$50 per person, benefits Venice Family Clinic

Tickets
Buy online at www.veniceartwalk.info or call 310.392.9255.

Discounts!
LACMA/MOCA/KCRW/KCET members receive a 20% discount on advance purchases of tickets to the Sunday, May 23, Venice Art Walk & Auctions only. Purchases must be made by phone at 310.392.9255 by 5:00 pm on Thursday, May 20, 2010. Please have your membership number ready.

One Great Cause
All proceeds benefit Venice Family Clinic, providing free, quality health care to more than 24,400 people in need through eight locations in Venice, Santa Monica, Mar Vista, and Culver City.

8 Ways to Pack like a Fashionista

Contributing Diva — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 21:37:34 +0000

By Josie Villa-Singleton a.k.a. Travelista

I last attended the mayhem that is Paris Fashion Week two years ago. I’ve since learned a lot about pulling an outfit together by scouring the photos of fashion magazine editors and tastemakers that I took during that trip. Seeing how the most fashionable women in the world show up to fashion shows can inform our choices when it comes time to pack our bags for a trip. Though these photos are from seasons past they still contain valuable information.

1. Black is always in fashion
Attendees of fashion shows and Europeans in general favor black and dark colors. Choosing mostly black clothing makes packing easier and of course black clothing flatters and camouflages our figures. Look for items made in travel friendly materials such as synthetic blends: rayon, polyester, lyocell, etc. Accessories keep the look from being boring.

Both these looks are easy to pull off. Tight but stretchy skinny black pants, an interesting black tee. Top it off with a long, loose cardigan and a necklace.

2. Fashion remains Neutral
If all black is not your thing you can break it up with a variety of neutrals. Or choose all neutrals and ease up on black altogether.

The woman on the left breaks up all black with a soft brown and faded black jeans, the woman on the right looks smart in pleated, cropped pants in gray with a brown coat and black is used only in the accessories.

3. Jean Pool
Jeans in every cut look fashionable as long as they have a flattering fit. Dressing jeans up or down makes them a versatile staple that should be included in your suitcase. Topped with a smart jacket you could easily move from daytime to dinner.

4. Flats are Fab
Yes, there’s many a fashionista donning teetering high heels but a good amount of women also stick to chic flats. The women at Fashion Week run from show to show so comfort is important. Take a cue from them and leave the platform pumps at home.

5. Keep it Chic and Simple
Looking great doesnt’ mean your clothes have to have lots of bells and whistles. Combine simple separates to achieve a chic look. Packing simple separates makes packing easier if they can be mixed and matched for many outfit options.

These ladies also gives a lesson in adding colorful accessories such as sunglasses or a belt to add personality and interest.

6. In the Trenches – Classic Outerwear
A trench coat never fails to deliver a chic and classic look. Worn with the appropriate layers, this topper works from fall to early winter. As shown here it works for a variety of age ranges. Accessorize the look with a scarf and a few beautiful bangles.

7. Scarve it Up
If you haven’t figured it out, I’m a huge fan of the scarf. It’s the easiest way to add that dash of European je ne sais quoi. Plus they are quite functional. Scarves can be used for warmth and/or as an extra acccesory. Blend them into your travel wardrobe or choose a standout color, your personality – your choice. Look at how these ladies pull off the look.

8. Sunglasses are always glam
You can never go wrong with a glamorous pair of sunglasses. Oversize sunglasses add mystery and can hide your tired eyes after disembarking a long flight or an overnight train. Classic aviators and Ray Ban Wayfarer’s graced the faces of many fashionistas. Find inexpensive versions at stores like Forever 21 or Urban Outfitters.

Happy Packing fellow Travelistas!

Content borrowed from Travelista.com

Running with The Bulls in Pamplona

The Diva — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 22:20:49 +0000

Title: Running with The Bulls in Pamplona
Location: Pamplona, Spain
Link out: Click here
Description: The Pamplona festival – also known as the San Fermin Festival or Sanfermines– is held in Pamplona, Spain every year from July 6-14. The most famous part of the festival is the bull run or encierro when 12 bulls charge through the streets of the old city. Although the festival begins on July 6, the bulls do not run until July 7 and then run for 7 consecutive mornings at 8 a.m. until the end of the festival. Anyone over the age of 18 can run with the bulls and there is no charge to participate.
Start Date: 2009-07-06
End Date: 2009-07-14

El festival de la corrida de toros de Pamplona – tambien conocido como el Festival de San Fermin – toma lugar en Pamplona, España anualmente en Julio. Este año será de Julio 6 al 14. Lo que hace famoso al festival es el “encierro” o corrida de los toros cuando sueltan a 12 toros a la carga en las viejas calles de Pamplona. Aunque el festival comienza Julio 6, los toros no corren hasta Julio 7, y por 7 días consecutivos de las 8 a.m. hasta el fin del festival. Cualquiera mayor de 18 años puede correr con los toros sin pagar por participar.

The Name of the Band is Cowboy Mouth

The Diva — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 05:38:13 +0000

One of the best bands my ears have had the pleasure of listening to is Cowboy Mouth, and during this upcoming Jazz Fest, that’s the tune this diva will be dancing to…

Following content taken from their website: www.cowboymouth.com

The term ‘Cowboy Mouth’ has been used in the poetry of Shakespeare and Bob Dylan as well as a play by Patti Smith and Sam Shepard. Usually meaning one with a loud and raucous voice, it describes the band well. With over 2000 concerts under their belt and many years of reviews lauding their live show, there is still one quote which best captures their show…..
“…on a bad night they’ll tear the roof off the joint and on a good night, they’ll save your soul.” — Cake Magazine
Cowboy Mouth is New Orleans rock n’ roll. Annually presenting roughly 200 shows per year, releasing nearly a dozen records, and featured on TV shows and radio stations everywhere, Cowboy Mouth has been seen and heard by millions of fans worldwide. For more than 15 years, the members of Cowboy Mouth have preached and shouted at the top of their lungs the joys of being alive and the joys of being in and from New Orleans, sharing a slice of Mardi Gras heaven with fans around the world. As frontman Fred LeBlanc has said,”If The Neville Brothers and The Clash had a baby, it would be Cowboy Mouth.”
The band’s 11 album releases include two records on MCA, one on Atlantic and several on their own Cowboy Mouth Records label. So far, the band has enjoyed domestic sales of over 450,000 units. But the album sales pale in comparison to the number of tickets the band sells to their live events. Cowboy Mouth shows are legendary, and have been witnessed by more than 8 million fans to date.
Always on the road, they’ve toured several times with their friends in Hootie and the Blowfish, BareNaked Ladies, Sister Hazel and Better Then Ezra.
Crowd participation is a must at a Cowboy Mouth show. Led by Fred’s larger-than-life presence, the band’s performances are high energy and extraordinarily intense, usually leaving audiences as drenched and spent as the band. Cowboy Mouth fans range from ages five to age eighty-five, but they have one thing in common – as Fred confides to the audience, “Cowboy Mouth is about pretending that you’re five years old, naked as a jaybird and about to turn the hose on your parents, and there’s not a damn thing they can do about it.”
A Cowboy Mouth show is always full of surprises, and have included guest appearances from Steve Van Zandt, Rob Thomas , John Popper, Art Neville, Johnnie Johnson (Chuck Berry’s piano player), Kyle Turley, Tom Arnold (Best Damn Sports Show), and Harmonica brilliance by Mark DeCarlo, to name a few. Their audience stretches from the festivals and colleges to the clubs and theaters they headline around the country. The band has also made several film and television appearances, including the Steven Soderburgh film “The Underneath,” MTV and VH1, Live with Regis and Kelly, Ellen DeGeneres Show, and The Late Show with Craig Kilborn.

The band is led by Fred LeBlanc, Cowboy Mouth’s maniacal drummer/lead singer (think the Tasmanian Devil playing drums like Keith Moon with a voice like Bo Diddley) and John Thomas Griffith on lead vocals and lead guitar.
Fred came to Cowboy Mouth after four years with the southern punk band Dash Rip Rock. Also an accomplished producer, Fred mixed the band’s first two studio recordings and also earned a gold record for producing Deadeye Dick hit song from the movie Dumb And Dumber, “New Age Girl.”
Griffith, (the Griff) had been friends with Fred for years before the two talked about forming Cowboy Mouth together along with two local New Orleans musicians. As the lead singer of ’80s band The Red Rockers, Griff had a top-selling album on Columbia Records. Their hit song “China” was one of the first hits on MTV, and is still played on the radio today. Griff has opened on tour with bands like The Go-Gos and U2, and was recently inducted into the Texas Guitar Players’ Hall of Fame.
The band’s rhythm guitarist Jonathan “JP” Pretus cut his musical teeth in clubs and bars in and around New Orleans and Baton Rouge for the better part of the last 10 years.
Bassist Regina Zernay, formerly of Dreamworks/Megatronic band Halfcocked, was fronting her own band, Méchant, when she met Cowboy Mouth. She’s played and recorded with over a half dozen local Southern California bands, including Big Violin (whose music was featured on The Real World), Red Delicious, and Jam Balaya (musical guests on two episodes of the TV show Half & Half).
Cowboy Mouth has just released a brand new live DVD, called “The Name of the Band is Cowboy Mouth.” Shot at the Roxy Theatre in Los Angeles, it’s one of Cowboy Mouth’s finest performances, capturing the excitement, energy, and top-notch musicianship of their live show in front of a thousand screaming fans. The band has also started recording material for their next CD, due out early next year.
TOUR DATES
3/1-3/14/09     Iraq/Kuwait     U.S. military bases     tbd
03/27/09     Charenton,La     Cypress Bayou     tbd     $15.00     21+     http://www.cypressbayou.com/site5.php
4/03/09     Tempe, Az     Tempe Music Fest     many     $35     all     http://www.livenation.com/edp/eventId/403902/
4/08/09     Tulsa, Ok     Flytrap     one     $15.00     21+     flytrapmusichall.com
4/09/09     Murfreesboro, Tn     527 Main     tbd     $12.00     18+
4/10/09     Louisville, Ky     Phoenix Hill Tavern     tbd     $15.00     21+     www.phoenixhill.com/
4/11/09     Memphis     Newby’s     tbd     $15.00     18+     www.newbysmemphis.com/
4/16/09     Knoxville, Tn     Sundown in the City Festival     some     free     all     Concert in Market Square
4/17/09     Oxford, Ms     Library     tbd
4/18/09     Houston     Crawfish Festival     some     $8.00     all     http://www.texascrawfishfestival.com/information.htm
4/19/09     Baton Rouge     Earth Day     tbd         all
4/29/09     Ruston, La     Rabb’s     tbd     $15.00         http://www.rabbssteakhouse.com/events.htm
5/01/09     Pensacola,Fl     Seville Quarter     tbd     $12.00         www.rosies.com
5/02/09     New Orleans     Jazz & Heritage Festival     many         all ages
5/08/09     Kansas City     Knuckleheads     some     $18.00     21+     www.knuckleheadskc.com
5/09/09     Council Bluffs, Iowa

Whiskey Roadhouse

Horsehoe Casino
none     free     21+     www.whiskeyroadhouse.com/
5/10/09     Denver     Bluebird     tbd     $21.00     16+     www.bluebirdtheater.net
5/11/09     Boulder     Fox Theater     tbd     $20.00     21+     www.foxtheatre.com
5/13/09     Salt Lake City     Urban Lounge     one     $15.00     21+     www.24tix.com
5/14/09     Boise     Neurolux     tbd     $12.00     21+     www.neurolux.com/
5/15/09     Seattle     The Tractor     one     $18.00     21+     www.tractortavern.com
5/16/09     Portland, Or     Doug Fir Lounge     tbd     $15.00     21+     www.dougfirlounge.com
5/17/09     Petaluma, Ca     Mystic Theater     tbd     $15.00     21+     www.mystictheatre.com/
5/19/09     Sacramento     Marilyn’s     tbd     $12.00         www.marilynsonk.com
5/20/09     San Francisco     Slims     tbd     $19.00     all ages     www.slims-sf.com
5/21/09     Los Angeles     House of Blues     tbd     $20.00     18+     www.hob.com
5/22/09     San Diego     House of Blues     tbd     $17.00     21+     www.hob.com
5/23/09     Phoenix     Martini Ranch     tbd             www.martiniranchaz.net/
5/24/09     St. Louis     Rib America Festival (Soldiers’s Memorial)     many     $5.00     all     ribamerica.com
05/30/09     College Station, Tx     Wolf Penn Amphitheater     tbd         all     www.cstx.gov/home/index.asp?page=669
6/05/09     Gulfport, Ms     The Dock     tbd     $15.00     all     www.thedockgulfport.com/
6/06/09     Atlanta, Ga     Highlands Music Festival     many     free     all
6/11/09     New York     The Highline Ballroom     one     tbd         www.highlineballroom.com/
6/12/09     Dewey Beach, De     Bottle and Cork     Virginia Coalition     $12.00     21+     tickets.deweybeachlife.com
6/13/09     Washington DC     930 Club     tbd             www.930.com
6/19/09     Isle of Palms     Windjammer         $20.00     18+
6/20/09     Isle of Palms     Windjammer         $20.00     18+
6/21/09     Isle of Palms     Windjammer         $15.00     all
6/25/09     Oshkosh, Wi     Waterfest     many     $5.00     all
6/27/09     Milwaukee, Wi     Summerfest     many     free     all
7/16/09     Des Moines     Rib America Festival Iowa Events Center     many     $5.00     all     ribamerica.com
9/05/09     Indianapolis     Rib America Festival (Military Park)     many     $5.00     all     ribamerica.com
9/12/09     Black Swamp Festival     Bowling Green, Oh     many     free     all

Content taken from www.cowboymouth.com

Inaugural Menu – your golden ticket to this elite three-course meal, including recipes

The Diva — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 04:34:28 +0000

You don’t have to be one of the 200 lucky guests in the Statuary Hall of the Capitol to delight your taste buds with these patriotic dishes.
This fabulous three-course menu, inspired by Abraham Lincoln and designed by Design Cuisine, was served on exquisite china, replicas of the china from the Lincoln Presidency, featuring the American bald eagle above the U. S. Coat of Arms.

A seafood stew was first in line, paired up with Napa Valley’s Duckhorn Vineyards 2007 Sauvignon Blanc. The main course, pheasant and duck served with sour cherry chutney and molasses sweet potatoes came accompanied by Anderson’s Valley Goldeneye, 2005 Pinot Noir. For the crowning end to the Obama lunch dessert came in the form of apple cinnamon sponge cake topped with sweet cream glace, paired with Korbel Natural “Special Inaugural Cuvée.” Ahh, sweet taste of Change.

Flower Design by JLB Floral of Alexandria, Virginia

For the full recipes click here: Inaugural Menu Recipes 2009

New Orleans Jazz Fest 2009 – A Diva’s ‘Woodstock’ or Her Name was NOLA

The Diva — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 01:29:07 +0000

I gotta say it: Up until last year, New York City held the number one spot in my heart. Then came NOLA. It was love at first bite. From the incredible food, to the narrow cobblestone streets, to the artistic, caring, amazing people, this city captured my heart in a New York minute.

If you’ve never been to New Orleans, you are truly missing out. Don’t think of it as just an endless carnival, although it can be. New Orleans is many things. There’s Jackson Square Park in the French Quarter, where, on any given day you may witness a brass band parade or a wedding presided over by a voodoo priest. Surrounded by artists, vendors, and most of all music, Jackson Square is the mecca of what down home New Orleans feeling.

Next is Bourbon Street, just steps from Jackson Square. Bourbon Street has survived fires, endless parties, and Hurricane Katrina. Nothing can keep this stretch of road down. It keeps rising up for more like a Phoenix. Filled with jazz clubs, mom and pop restaurants and stores, Bourbon Street is the nightlife spot to go to in the French Quarter.

A taste of chickory coffee and beignets from the famous Cafe Du Monde is all you need in a New Orleans morning. An extra dose of powdered sugar, gave me the kickstart I needed to go explore this beautiful city. Sporting my comfortable shoes, I walked down every street in the French Quarter.

‘Boy town’ proved to be a sure fire favorite, as I accompanied Miss Avalon on her four corner street show. She stopped cars and ‘vogued’ graciously accepting roaring applause. My drink matched her wig, so I took it as a sign and shared my Hurricane. After all it was this delicious pink concoction that gave me the extra push to join Miss Avalon’s street show.

If there’s anything I vow to do every year is the New Orleans Jazz Festival, an annual blend of famous musicians and the trendy usual suspects. In 2008, Billy Joel and Cowboy Mouth were a must-see. The food is a compilation of the local favorites, including the crab pouch, and gumbo. Yummy!

This time around I will plan better. I will take my own comfy chair complete with footrest and drink holder. This year I will wear funky galoshes, and bring that fancy poncho from last years’ fest. This year I will take a waterproof camera. This time around I will camp out under the deluge and wait for the rains to pass me by. This year I will be singing in the rain. And all the words in my English/Spanish dictionary will never define the uniqueness and freedom this city offers. This, darling divas, is my ‘Woodstock.’

The 411 on NOLA Jazz Fest 2009:

http://www.nojazzfest.com

http://www.discoverneworleans.com/jazzfest/

http://www.satchmo.com/nolavl/jazzfest.html

The 411 on NOLA Jazz Fest 2009:
April 24,25,26 & April 30, May 1,2,3, 2009. The Heritage Fair takes place at the Fair Grounds Race Course, centrally located at 1751 Gentilly Boulevard, 10 minutes from the French Quarter. Hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

TICKET PRICES
1st Weekend (April 24, 25, 26)
2nd Weekend (April 30, May 1, 2, 3)
Advance adult ticket: $40 through April 29 (each ticket valid for one day only)
Gate Price: $50

40th ANNIVERSARY
NEW ORLEANS JAZZ & HERITAGE FESTIVAL
PRESENTED BY SHELL
APRIL 24 – 26 (1st WEEKEND)
Wynton Marsalis, Dave Matthews Band, James Taylor, Joe Cocker, Earth Wind & Fire, Wilco, Spoon, Erykah Badu, Irma Thomas, Orishas, Third World, Robert Cray, Etta James & the Roots Band, Mavis Staples, Drive-By Truckers feat. Booker T. Jones, Johnny Winter, Pete Seeger, Hugh Masekela, Better Than Ezra, Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings, Galactic, Roy Haynes, Pete Fountain, Avett Brothers, Kinky, Roy Rogers, Del McCoury Band, Terence Blanchard, Marc Broussard, DJ Jubilee with 5th Ward Weebie and Ms. Tee, Buckwheat Zydeco’s 30th Anniversary feat. The Hitchhikers, Tab Benoit, Locos por Juana and hundreds more…
APRIL 30 – MAY 3 (2nd WEEKEND) – Aretha Franklin, TBA, Sugarland, Ben Harper & Relentless7, Tony Bennett, Kings of Leon, The Neville Brothers, Bonnie Raitt, Common, Emmylou Harris, Dr. John, Buddy Guy, Los Lobos, The O’Jays, Toots & the Maytals, Allen Toussaint, John Mayall, Solomon Burke, Doc Watson, Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, The Whispers, Jakob Dylan, Chuck Brown, Meter Men: Zig, George, and Leo, Kurt Elling, Rance Allen, Cowboy Mouth, Guy Clark, Radiators, Aaron Neville, Lil’ Ed & the Blues Imperials, Tab Benoit & the Wetland Allstars, Marcia Ball, Ellis Marsalis, Kermit Ruffins & the Barbecue Swingers, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Poncho Sanchez Latin Jazz Band, Jon Cleary & the Absolute Monster Gentlemen, Frankie Ford, BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet, Mississippi Mass Choir, Walter “Wolfman” Washington & the Roadmasters, Anders Osborne, and hundreds more…

See you there!