Tuesday, February 16, 2010

The Coconut Bistro's Greatest Hits

(Background photo credits to Humphrey Nash at Smugmug.com.)
It's been over a year now, since the launch of Coconut Bistro. We opened the very day Barack Obama took office and became President of the United States. January 20th, 2009. By the time, we were named The Plastic Farm. Eventually, it evolved to what it is today. In this article, I would first like to thank all of you. People from 94 countries and counting are reading our articles now and it's a great feeling to reach all of you. Then, I will show you the best of the best articles and give you the links to get there. You will have fun and useful stuff to read for a while, which you may want to print and take it to your daily commute or for a good reading before bedtime. Here they are.

Strawberry Fields in Sweden
Beer Back To Basics
Is That a Whiskey You Have in Your Hand?
Have You Had Your Carrots Today?
Ristorante Paradiso Anime Show
Johnny Depp and St. Germain Bistro & Cafe, Puerto Rico
Tuna Sandwich With a Movie
Sex, Lies and a Warm Evening Dinner
Italian Cheeses Best Pick
Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Drinks Made Easy at Home
Smoothies For The Summer Made Easy
Simple Italian Recipe With Cannelloni
The Life Of a Waitress
French Toasts Made Really Simple

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Valentine's Day Wishes

Love. Definitely the goal of all of us. We want it constantly present in our lives, in our weekdays, weekends and holidays. Especially holidays. Who doesn't want to attend a party or celebration with the good company of a significant other? I think we all do. In Valentine's Day, that feeling goes up through the roof, when you wish you've had a good companion to share some wine, music and a decent dinner with a good dessert afterwards. You want to talk about life, love and all the finer things that make life worth the effort and gives our existence a perennial spark.

You might select the best restaurant of the year, (for you to spend, I mean) preferably with a couple of romantic candles at the table. Then, a good music in the background always makes the trick. Let's say acid jazz, dim lighting, plus the wax burning in the candles with a subtle, romantic and erotic scent. The conversation is as sublime as everything else around you. Then the waiter have a complete grasp of what's going on and why, so he wishes to be your accomplice for the night, giving you the service reserved for royalty. Your romantic couple is dressed with the best and smells like heaven. Then you order the best steak of the house, along with lobster, salad and a baked potato dressed with melted butter. The subtle music doesn't stop, neither does the burning candle scent.

You think this single moment is worth everything you have done in your life to reach it and you certainly are no mistaken. The wine keeps flowing, so does the conversation and laughs under the dim lights. Then you order dessert. You might want to give your partner a portion of it from your own spoon. Sweet. You absolutely want this night at the restaurant not to end, except for the passionate moments that await you at the luxurious hotel. This is a wish that would be very unlikely rejected by anyone anywhere. Enjoy your Valentine's night!

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

NYC's Famous Tavern On The Green Closing Doors on New Year´s Eve

Famous restaurant Tavern on the Green is closing doors on New Year´s Eve. After many decades of serving, it has to close, due to $8 million in debt. For me, these kind of things are a barometer of the current economy, and this one is no exception. According to the Associated Press article, "The former sheepfold at the edge of Central Park, now ringed by twinkling lights and fake topiary animals, is preparing for New Year's Eve, when it will serve its last meal. Just three years ago, it was plating more than 700,000 meals annually, bringing in more than $38 million. But that astronomical sum wasn't enough to keep the landmark restaurant out of bankruptcy court. Its $8 million debt is to be covered at an auction of Baccarat and Waterford chandeliers, Tiffany stained glass, a mural depicting Central Park and other over-the-top decor that has bewitched visitors for decades."

Also continued, "for 75 years, since it first opened amid the Great Depression, the Tavern has attracted clients from around the world." It is really a sad day for the legendary restaurant. Read the original article HERE.

Go see the video.

Sunday, December 27, 2009

French Toasts Made Really Simple

Who doesn't like a warm, savory breakfast, especially in the holidays? If you happen to be on vacation on this time of the year, that's another story. The only thing you have to worry about is to buy gifts, having great dinners, and to please the family. Well, imagine that this is one of those days, when you wake up and the very next thing to do is to have a warm, great breakfast. Why not start with french toasts? Let's go.

I won't start with an ingredient list here or anything like that, it's just not my style. I will go right to the point, so you won't have to waste your time reading here and start preparing. If you are a regular reader here, you know I like simple stuff.

First of all, make an egg scramble, add cinnamon. Take some slices of bread and throw them into the egg scramble. Saturate the bread with the scramble. Put a tablespoon of butter in a pan and throw the scramble-saturated bread in. Heat medium. Take them out when you like the color. Do not burn, please! Add maple syrup. Then, you can sprinkle some powdered sugar and add fruits, like strawberries, canteloupe, oranges, kiwi, or whatever fruit you want. Oh, and don't forget to add a tablespoon of butter to the bread once it's on the plate. Tah dah! Do me a favor and go have breakfast, before it gets cold.

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Can Food Be Romantic?

Can food be romantic? Well, you can almost say that, because first dates almost always consist of that. A really good dish almost works wonders as an aphrodisiac and a mood enhancer. Also, a good meal is more than just that, it's a magical moment when the proper conditions are present, like romance. You can also tell how your date behaves, in so many ways, like the way the person treats the waiter, how patient is, what kind of food likes, manners, and so on. All in one round trip!

People tend to pick a restaurant for this purpose, especially on a first date, because this is a crucial moment which would determine if there is going to be a second. At the same time, you get into details about his or her life and start analyzing if you are staring at marriage material, casual company, or just plain sex. I don't know if you have thought about all the information and insight you could get from a date in a restaurant, but truth is, you couldn't get to a better place. If you go to a local pub, or a disco, you could barely hear each other, which is a downturn and not appropriate for the mentioned purpose. If that does happen to you, maybe the person is not really interested in your life, and is only looking for sex or just company. If the person wants to be alone with you in a quiet place, like many restaurants are, with dim lights, fine food and so on, there may be something in the air, at least a genuine interest, believe me.

Of course, you could not tell everything just from a first date. Many people try to impress doing two things: ordering the best plate and not eating much of it, to send the message that they can afford it and are not desperate munchers. This might look good at first, but check out the behavior later on, like in a fast food restaurant or something, to see if they are the real thing. Another thing, look for the alcohol. If your date orders too many rounds in your first date at a restaurant, beware of him or her being a heavy drinker, which could lead to trouble in the future.

I don't want to sound like a cupid killer, of course. A very nice meal with good company is one of the best things in life, and can be very romantic, but it's also as revealing as reading a magazine, so stay tuned.

Thursday, November 26, 2009

The Best Thanksgiving To You

(Photo from Babasteve @ flickr.com/creativecommons)

Happy Thanksgiving to you from The Coconut Bistro! May you have the best thanksgiving this year with your loved ones and that the coming christmas brings you abundance, love and health all year round. Have fun on this very special day with your family and don't forget to visit us for the best tips and articles here at The Coconut Bistro. Always the best for you. Season greetings!