Disney's Bluezoo is Haute!

Celebrity Chef Todd English’s Bluezoo Restaurant is one of Walt Disney World’s best-kept secrets. Who knew that a restaurant with a Miami-like, energetic vibe was housed at the Swan and Dolphin Resort complex in Lake Buena Vista, Florida?

The idea of “bluezoo” came from English’s interpretation of a movie about sea creatures on IMAX that he watched with his kids. The diversity of sea life sparked the idea of a “bluezoo” in his mind. “Having a restaurant in Walt Disney World is very exciting,” said English. “My hope is for bluezoo to be a mix of other Olive Group Restaurants combined with the merriment and fun of Disney.”

Bluezoo is the place to make a splash… you’ll marvel at the interior, created by highly acclaimed designer Jeffery Beers. It’s sleek and sexy with blue lights illuminating a curved bar with a school of aluminum fish completing the backdrop. Iridescent bubbles hanging from overhead light fixtures in the dining room add an aquatic feel that flows throughout the room.

Bluezoo is more than a place for fresh food—it’s English’s contemporary take on upscale dining at Walt Disney World. It features a raw bar with daily harvested oysters and littleneck clams, an impressive wine list and a host of coastal cuisine incorporating an innovative selection of fresh seafood, beef, chicken and pork with both international and New American culinary influences.

One of Bluezoo’s signature dishes is the dancing fish, a spit-roasted whole fish that’s presented as if it’s grooving in the air on a stick. You can actually see Executive Chef Chris Windus and his staff preparing it as you walk through the dining room and glance at the open fire grill and kitchen.

The two pound Maine Cantonese Lobster in a sticky soy sauce is another favorite dish at Bluezoo. You’ll also love the Teppan Seared Jumbo Sea Scallops over braised beef short rib, and silky cauliflower puree. Olive's Classico Flatbread with roasted tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and torn basil can quickly become a guilty pleasure, but the amazing Shrimp and Grits will have you coming back for more.

If you opt for dessert, try the decadent Warm Chocolate Cake with a liquid ganache center, Maracaibo chocolate cream pudding, and peanut ice cream. It’s like finding buried treasure. You’ll also love the 1000 Grand Marnier Cream, caramelized puff pastry napolean, mango sauce and orange saffron sorbet, citrus comfit, and orange agar.

Prices at Bluezoo range from $8 to $15 for appetizers and salads, but you might want to bring a little extra cash for the entrees with prices from $27 to a little more than $60.

Haute Tip!

If you decided to head over to Bluezoo for adult dining after a day of park hopping at Walt Disney World with the kids, you’ll get two hours of babysitting service. Valet is also complimentary!

To learn more about Bluezoo visit http://www.swandolphinrestaurants.com/bluezoo/

Will you try Bluezoo?

Chicago’s Park 52 is Haute!

An American Bistro in Hyde Park is one of the things that make this cozy Chicago neighborhood Haute! Park 52 is Restaurateur Jerry Kleiner’s latest addition to his long list of cool restaurants like Red Light and Carnivale in the windy city. Each has the Kleiner touch when it comes to décor dramatic lighting, hues of red throughout with a touch of soul.

If you’re living the cosmopolitan life in Chicago… this is the spot for a fabulous meal and meeting place for cocktails and conversation. It’s also blocks away from the Obama house along with a special menu selection celebrating the 44th President and first lady. Park 52 is where the beautiful, sexy people move and shake in Hyde Park just call or text your party and have them meet you at “The Park.”

The menu consists of an array of contemporary dishes like the BBQ Glazed Atlantic Salmon, Roasted Duck Breast and Shrimp and grits. Each selection is flavorful and cooked perfectly. The food is simply good and the service is wonderful.

The open kitchen allows curious diners to watch Chef Alain Njike and his staff as they prepare each dish for the ultimate dining experience. Special guests can also enjoy their meal at Njike’s “chef’s” table for a bird’s eye view into a world of culinary delight.

Wine lovers will enjoy the vast selection from sparkling Champagnes to Merlot and South Australian Shiraz. You can order by the glass or bottle from the 70- bottle wine list in Park 52’s warm, inspired and inviting setting.

Park 52 isn’t the most expensive restaurant in Chicago, but pricing is consistent with the best in the city. Entrees start around $18 and run as high as $27. Although side dishes are served a la carte, there’s more than enough to share. But, be sure to save room for dessert, with summer approaching, you’ll love the key lime pie, bread pudding and peach cobbler.

To learn more visit http://www.park52chicago.com/ or call (773) 241-5200

Will you check out Park 52?

Secrets to Haute Healthy Hair!

When I’m on the go the one thing that makes me crazy is bad hair. On a recent trip to Chicago, I made a beeline to Mario Tricoci Salon and Day Spa on Michigan Avenue for a little TLC. 

When it comes to haute, healthy hair, I leave it to the professionals. Veteran hair professional Frankie took me under her wing and whisked me over to the shampoo bowl to cleanse my hair and scalp opening up the hair shaft to remove product buildup. A relaxing head massage and conditioning treatment left my hair healthy with plenty of shine restoring moisture to keep my hair hydrated. Frankie added a keratin infused product and blew my hair straight. She followed up by pressing small sections of my hair until it was silky with lots of body and bounce.

An hour later, my hair was healthy, lustrous and fabulous! When you're in Chicago and you need a little attention for your hair... drop into Mario Tricoci so they can indulge and delight you with innovative services and amazing hair care.

To learn more visit http://www.tricoci.com/

Haute Tips for Healthy Hair:

-Shampoo and condition often

-Consult a professional to trim ends every 6 weeks

-Research products before using on your hair

-Limit the amount of chemicals used on your hair

-Limit the amount of heat used on your hair

-Always use heat protector

How do you keep your hair healthy and haute?

Atlanta's Inman Park Haute Spot!

Parish Food and Goods Restaurant in Inman Park is the place to eat, drink and feed the soul when it comes to southern classics with a little edge. Parish is a restaurant, market and deli housed in an old terminal building built in 1890. It’s the only remaining structure from the old pipe factory that had been abandoned for some time.
The restaurant is located on the main floor of the antique structure that’s been fully restored. Red Murano chandeliers, exposed brick and the walnut and zinc bar add spice to the “organically funky vibe.”

The menu selections come from a blend of French, Spanish, French Caribbean and African flavors and influences. Chef Nick Melvin, a New Orleans native, utilizes the local and farm-to-table philosophies that PARISH embraces as he brings the flavors of Southern roots back to Atlanta. Melvin’s dishes epitomize his blending of the character, taste and love of the Crescent City with local Georgia flair. He also emphasizes local farmers through weekly changing appetizers and entrées.

I had a lovely time sampling a number of dishes including, the Mississippi Stuffed Catfish and a TV dinner featuring sloppy Joe on Texas toast! Yes, I did say TV dinner… it’s a grown up twist on childhood favorites with a menu that changes weekly. Your meal even comes on a tray just like the one from your school cafeteria.

But my favorite dish… a mini skillet of Jenny Jack grits with New Orleans BBQ Shrimp! Those grits were the best that I have ever had in my life! I had to ask… What did Chef Melvin put in those grits?

I also sampled a basket of Creole Frites with Georgia okra, parish pickles, green onions and green tomatoes fried into a cornmeal crust. It was sinful and not heart healthy, but it was really tasty. The only thing that I didn’t like… they were out of the Heaven and Hell cake (part angel food and devils food)!

Parish offers a relaxed atmosphere for casual dining in vibrant Inman Park with good food at affordable prices. Valet parking is complimentary. To learn more visit http://www.parishatl.com/

Will you visit Parish?

Haute Hydration!

June Jacobs offer’s the Vanda Orchid Body Balm as part of her spa collection. The balm is rich and creamy, but not oily offering an intense hydration saturating the skin with a delicate bouquet of orchid extracts, Shea butter, jojoba and sunflower seed oils to soften and protect the skin. A powerful anti-oxidant blend of white, red and green tea extracts combined with Gobi berry, pomegranate and grape seed extracts help to combat free radicals and environmental toxins designed rejuvenate the skin.

Retails for $60... To learn more visit http://www.junejacobs.com/

Haute Tip! The June Jacobs' Vanda Orchid Mist leaves the skin refreshed and energized! Retails $48

Will you try this new body balm or mist?

Bamboo is Haute!

Bamboo offers beauty that’s sustainable… here are new product offerings that are eco-friendly!

 Priori Powder Brush

You get a mini massage while applying powder to your skin with the Priori brush made with bamboo. The new brush helps increase blood flow and circulation as you apply your makeup. The soft bristles are made from taklon, non-animal derived, 100% cruelty-free and anti-bacterial for a flawless application. The stem is made from recycled aluminum. Bamboo, a highly sustainable plant with very low impact on the earth’s natural resources, was used to make the handle. 

Your brushes will be your new best friends, so handle them with care. Use CoffeeBerry Revitalizing Cleanser to clean them regularly so that they will stay fresh and last longer.

I've tried this brush and love it. It reminds me of a higher-end brand that sells for a lot more than $25.

http://www.prioriskincare.com/about.html

Physicians Formula Bamboo Wear Compact with Mirror & Brush

A unique reusable, refillable compact constructed of 100% naturally sustainable bamboo. Ultra-functional, the Bamboo Compact is comprised of two compartments; one houses a powder refill, and the other has a full-size mirror and bamboo brush applicator. Magnets are embedded in the compact to hold the powder refill in place and allow for easy replacement of the powder refill. The elegant and modern bamboo compact features a vibrant green bamboo design atop the natural bamboo grain for a distinctive look.

Price: $6.95, available at mass market retailers nationwide

http://demo.physiciansformula.com/en-us/productdetail/bamboo-compact/07088.html


Will you try these products?

Disclaimer:  I was sent samples of both products to test.

Haute Hair Picks!

I love it when beauty products bring positive trends and images into our daily lives. Whether you’re a celebrity or the girl next door TIGI has a line of products that make life easy. I am loving the Love, Peace and the Planet Walking on Sunshine Daily Shine Shampoo and Conditioner. Once you pop the top, the smell of ginger, mandarin and lime fill the air.

 “Recycle your look as you shampoo” is a fitting theme since these products are 70% organic! There are no parabens, artificial colors, synthetic fragrance, sodium or lauryl/laureth sulfates. And the tube is made of 50% post consumer recycled materials.

The shampoo and conditioner contain apple amino acids, ginger and green tea that take your hair from dull to fab. Smoother, shinier hair is within reach as you walk on Sunshine!

Haute Tip! Don’t forget to “FREE UR MIND” with TIGI’s Love, Peace & the Planet’s Cherry Almond Firm Hold Hairspray! You’ll love the smell as you lock in your signature hairstyle!

Price: $18.95 - 22.95, available in fine salons nationwide; visit www.tigihaircare.com for more information

The New Four Seasons in London Expected to be HAUTE!

The Four Seasons Hotel London has undergone a major transformation. During the closure, guest rooms, suites and bars have been totally reconfigured and redesigned for discriminating travelers who only want the best.

My favorite part of the renovation—the new rooftop spa with treetop views of Hyde Park. The spa is housed on an entirely new floor and takes guests to new heights when it comes to total relaxation. I get anxious just thinking about it… talk about “luxuriating.” I can’t wait to sink my toes into a pedicure bowl and rest my aching muscles on the massage table.

A new sophisticated Four Seasons Hotel in London is anticipated in late 2010—I’ll be there with bells on. Now that’s HAUTE!

Would you like to check into the Four Seasons in London?

Haute Off the Press!

French skincare line Darphin introduces Hydraskin Essential, the company’s first-ever $50 face cream, formulated with organic shea butter and butterfly lavender. In celebration of the launch, Darphin wants to know how you indulge with just $50.

On April 21st, the 50 most creative entries will win a preview of Darphin’s favorite $50 luxury- a full-size Hydraskin Essential. And a grand prize winner will be treated to a New York City Spa Getaway for two with transportation, 2 nights at the Surrey Hotel, Darphin treatments and more.

For each submission, Darphin will donate $2 to the IDEAL Providence Farms to buy school supplies for children in Ghana, where the product’s organic shea butter is harvested and used in Hydraskin Essential by women in Ghana via a fair trade initiative to support their community.

Visit http://www.50littleluxuries.com/ to share your tips and chance to win your own Hydraskin Essential and trip to New York City!

What's your $50 indulgence?