Cheers!

Today's Cheers! is celebrating Cinco de Mayo. The date is not known in Brazil, but is very celebrated here in the U.S. and in Mexico: it's the the Day of the Battle of Puebla. Puebla is a city in the North of Mexico, scene of a battle between the Mexican and French armies, in 1862, won and celebrated with great pride by the Mexicans. So here's the recipe for a very typical Mexican drink called Michelada, which is a cold and spicy beer!

1 bottle of beer (light or dark beer such as Corona or Negra Modelo)
juice of one lemon
a dash soy sauce
two dashes Worcestershire sauce
a dash Tabasco
a pinch black pepper
salt to garnish

Using a beer glass, salt the rim of the glass by rubbing lemon juice on it then dipping in the salt. Place all ingredients in the glass and add the beer (adding more as you sip). Some versions are served with ice (like the one pictured above), some without. It's up to you. It's a different drink, strong and spicy.
A delicious weekend to you all!

Details...

Partagás Cigar's Factory (Havana, Cuba)

This week's DELIGHT: Chili - Version I

I was thinking about posting a cake recipe, but since today is cold or raining in almost everywhere, I decided to go for a comforting Chili recipe. In fact, this recipe is adapted from the original, which is Mexican and basically made ​​of ground beef and pork (and, in some versions, with beans). Hubby and I are huge fans and we make a lot, so I don't follow any recipe and I'm always creating different - healthier, of course - versions depending on what I have in the fridge. So, I will call this recipe Chili - Version I, because, I already have other versions around!

It's a perfect dish for cold and rainy days. Since it's a complete meal (has grains, protein, vegetable etc), there is no need to serve anything else. It's very satisfying, warm and delicious!

In love: French Bull

It's Spring time in the States, so we're already blessed with beautiful ideas for the summer. And one of them is French Bull. With super colorful designs, it's tabletops are perfect for setting an amazing outdoor table, for a barbecue, a party, for the beach house or even every day. They're all made of melamine which means practicality and durability!

On their website you will find dishes, plates, glasses, knives, bowls, kids utensils, oven mitts, placemats, containers, floor mats etc. It'll be hard to pick one!

Get your home ready - and colorful - for the summer! (if you're not in the States and the company doesn't ship internationally, some items are available at Amazon)

The Sunset Restaurant, Malibu

Don't forget this name: The Sunset Restaurant, in Malibu.

This restaurant always caught my attention because of its location (end of a quiet street - during winter - and beach front) and the vibe. I searched the internet and talked with friends who live in Malibu, and I came to the conclusion that the restaurant was worth a visit. It was a perfect place to take my in-laws to (as you can see, their visit yielded so many nice tours!), so there we went!

It was amazing: beautiful day, chilly white wine and wonderful food. And we also got to see dolphins swimming in the ocean while eating!

It's a little bit expensive, but the portions are generous and, with a view like this, you don't think about the price that much! After lunch, I suggest crossing the street, take your shoes off and take a walk on the beach ... Simply the best!

Farmer's Market, Brazil

As everybody knows, I've just spent a few weeks in Brazil, and during these days, I went to Rio and also did some sightseeing in São Paulo.

One of the places I loved to visit again was the farmer's market. Today, with supermarkets and grocery stores, there really isn't much need to go to a farmer's market but, unlike here in the U.S., Brazilian farmer's market are incredible, huge, with a endless range of delicious fruits and vegetables at a very small price.

If you don't live in Brazil, when you're there, be sure to go to one. But if you do live there and farmer's market isn't part of your routine, go to one at least once a month so you can try a bunch of fresh fruits, listen to the mess of people talking and shouting about their prices and food, and go home with a bag filled with healthy food that you've paid a bargain for!

And, as tradition says, after food-shopping, stop at the pastel tent and eat this typical farmer's market food!(pastel is like a turnover but, in this case, deep-fried. You can find them filled with ground beef, or cheese, ham, chicken, codfish etc...)

A feast for your eyes and your stomach, and good for your wallet too!

Cheers!

To celebrate another weekend, today's Cheers! brings a drink which, at first, may sound strange, but I heard is very good and refreshing. I haven't tried it, but I confess I'm curious, because I love all the ingredients in this Portonic.

2 1/2 oz white Port wine
tonic water
lemon slices

In a glass filled with ice, pour the white Port and top it with tonic water (you can use the diet version too). Garnish with lemon slice. You can have it before or even after meals.

A peaceful weekend everyone!