CIP-Logo

Month: November 2017

  • A Quickie…The Round-Up

    A Quickie…The Round-Up

    There are so many places I have not gotten a chance to share with you.  I’m sure if you are keeping up with my social media platforms you have seen pictures of me here, there and what seems to be everywhere. Instead of making a few blog posts, I have decided to do a round up. Not trying to flood anyone’s inbox. So where do I start on this round-up?

    Agave. I have driven past this restaurant for way too many years. Always saying one day I will try it out. Well that one day finally happened. And boy was I more than happy with that choice! Agave is self described as “an eclectic southwestern eatery and tequila bar” located in the Cabbagetown area of Atlanta. Taken straight from what it says on their website. Let me tell what Agave is to me. It is Honey, Cider, Smoked Bacon Collard Greens that makes you wish the chef was your Abuela, even though it’s a guy. It is Southwestern Mac & Cheese that will have you thinking that the Western part of the United States could hangout with you in rural Georgia and not be condemned for being a different kind of mac & cheese. The Barbacoa & Chorizo Chile Taco makes you want to write a letter to Taco Bell and ask them why not strive harder. The Stuffed Mountain Trout Tomatillo makes you want to grab your fishing pole, go fishing in the Georgia mountains, and grow your own tomatillos. What I had that night made me rave to every person I came in contact with. I just want to go back again and again.

    Taste of Atlanta. I have always wanted to attend food festivals but never have. Go figure. Taste of Atlanta is just what it sounds like. It’s a chance to sample (via purchased tickets) dishes from some really great restaurants from the metro Atlanta area. There are also chances to meet and taste samples from large food companies like Goya and Smithfield. There were even demos and cooking classes by some of the best chefs in the city. My two favorite things from this event was getting to meet, talk with and take a picture with one of my new favorite chefs in Atlanta: Chef Richards of Richards Southern Fried. The other one was getting to taste Revolution Gelato. Why was that such a big deal for me? Well this was non-dairy ice cream made from coconut milk and cashews. Had I been blindfolded I would not have been able to tell the difference. It was so good I had to rejoin the line for a second go round.

    Twelve Eighty. This restaurant is adjacent to The Woodruff Arts Center and across from The High Museum. It is quite a good spot to be for those of us that like to spend the afternoon strolling among the art or taking in a play. The atmosphere pulls you in but the food makes you want to come back again. My bloggers group was invited to the restaurant’s Fall menu tasting. I mean who doesn’t like a chance to sample food and spirits. I was there with bells on. Since I had a plus one I invited my friend, Kenya Freeman, now of Project Runway fame. It was such fun for us to hangout a little, since we both have busy schedules. They offered everything from  apps to salads to sandwiches and unforgettable entrees. There is something for everyone. The staff is memorable. We got to meet and interact with the general manager, the maitre’d, executive chef, pastry chef and the wonderful waitstaff. You couldn’t ask for more. Please check out Twelve Eighty the next time you find yourself in midtown Atlanta, whether you ar taking in the art scene or not.

    There are a few more places I have been honored to visit in the last month or so. However, they require more room to share than in a round-up. As always I made some great memories. Now go forward and make some new memories of your own.

    Until next time.

    ~The Chef In Pearls

     

     

  • Lost File . . . Weapons of Mass Success

    Lost File . . . Weapons of Mass Success

    I guess it’s a little late for Happy New Year wishes. However, I have never been one to really follow anyone’s rules so . . . Happy New Year from the Chef In Pearls!!! I hope 2017 brings you everything your heart desires and more. It took me this long to write something because I was in a pensive mode, working on what will be the next move for myself and this blog. The truth, which hit me like a ton of bricks, was the I have all the necessary tools to be successful. I have a God given talent and it is up to me to make sure I share it with the world. With that being said, I present to you my weapons of Mass Success!!!

     

    20170120_133548

     

    I believe these few objects are what I will use to become successful.  There are other tools as well, but none as strong as those pictured. Sometimes I will have to use them collaboratively and others I will use them separately to make my point.

    20170120_132347

    No chef is worth their salt without a good chef’s knife. I personally prefer a 10 ” blade. As a chef returning to the kitchen I need this to make the magic happen. Yes, I did kind of slip in my plans to return to the kitchen. I will be returning as a private chef. You will be able to hire me to cook in your home or any private kitchen. And know that I will have have this baby in tow. More to come on me returning to the kitchen, later.

     

    20170120_132716

     

    Aprons are a big thing for me. I mean any fashionista who cooks values keeping her clothing as fresh as can be. I have the traditional chef’s coat but because I love to show off my clothing choices, I prefer a good apron. It covers and protects my clothing while still keeping me fashionable. You will find me in a chef’s coat from time to time but the apron is my go to piece. It is one of my success tools whether I am teaching a class or whipping up meals for clients in the kitchen.

     

    20170120_131958

     

    The camera has become an integral part of my arsenal. I am no expert with a DSLR, like the pictured above, but I am very proficent with the camera on my Samsung Galaxy 7. ( No, not the Note 7s that were exploding.)  I use my camera to try and convey the deliciousness I create in the kitchen or the great outfits I pull out of my closet. The camera helps to keep my social media channels up-to-date on everything going on with The Chef In Pearls, from cooking to events to video creation.  It’s how I stay relevant with current followers as well as make new follower.

     

    Weapons of Mass Success

     

    I know it’s time for an upgrade but . . . Life. This baby has been my ride or die for the last few years. She has helped me with getting blog posts out, creating menus, writing recipes and so much more. She allows me to communicate to the world the things that run through this beautifully insane and creative mind of mine.

    And let’s not forget the key component to what we know to be The Chef In Pearls. Me., Cassandra Mason. Anyone can use the above mentioned tools but only I can bring to life the things I do, they way I do. There is only one me. And I am proud to be able to bring to life The Chef In Pearls brand. There is so much in store for me and you as my audience.

    What would be your “Weapons of Mass Success” tm? Let me know in the comments below. Until next time go forward and make memories.

    ~The Chef In Pearls

    P.S. It is near the end of the year and I never got around to posting this. As I read it I realized that I wrote these words knowing that putting on “paper” makes a thing real. I may not have shared with everyone until now but I knew it existed. You know what? These very things have been bringing me success. I don’t measure or can’t measure success based on others metrics. My idea of success include an increase of brand awareness, increased client list (more cooking), increased partnerships and most important increased faith in my abilities. As my daughter likes to keep reminding me, I am living what looks to be my best life. I worked hard for it and I know what I have done for 2017 will only get better in 2018. The grind will be real for 2018. Are you ready to take that ride with me?

    I know for some my review of 2017 is kind of early but it needs to be. I have to plan for the new year and I cannot do that without evaluating where I am coming from. The experiences have been amazing and the memories seem endless. I have learned from all of them good and bad. I hope this post causes you to take a look at the beginning of this year and where you are now. Have you accomplished the goals you set up for yourself? Do you need to re-evaluate? Do you need to focus more? Go through those memories and see what you’ve learned. It’s never too late to start working towards those goals.

    Cassandra- The Chef In Pearls

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Bar Margot Atlanta…Blush Angel

    It’s the month of October. So many things come to mind leaves falling, apple picking, pumpkin patches and one dear to my heart Breast Cancer Awareness. Last year around this time I shared a brief story of my neighbor and friend, Sandra. I have lost a few good folks to cancer, so whenever I can show support I do. Until the end of October, Bar Margot will donate a portion of the proceeds made when you purchase their specially crafted drink, Blush Angel.

    When you visit Bar Margot, located on the second floor of the Four Seasons, know that you’ll be in for a treat. From the moment you’re greeted by the valet, to the welcoming by the hostess and the service by the wait staff your experience is nothing but pleasurable. I was accompanied the other half of the Dynamic Duo, Rochelle Wharton of Culinary Vegg Out. Our party included two other members of the Atlanta Food and Lifestyle Bloggers’ Society: Jennifer Harris of Gluten Free Go To Guide  and President of the group, Linda Carmical of Food the Fire. Bar Margot and M-Squared PR had some great treats in store for us but first our Blush Angels.

     

    Our waiter Esou, who was beyond great and definitely above amazing, started us off with Deviled Eggs, the filling light and lush. Next he followed up with a Charcuterie Board. He managed to find gluten free bread so Jennifer could enjoy some with her cheeses. Before long came the next course, oysters on the half shell all the way from Connecticut. Esou assured us that they were the best to have, only the finest. He kept things going with the seafood bringing us steamed mussels. I have never been much of a mussels girl, although I love every other shellfish. However this dish straight won me over. The bold flavors combined with the tender mussels made a great tasting dish. And what night would be complete without dessert. Their pastry chef out did herself with these.  There was a Huckleberry Cheesecake, Dolce de Leche Lava Cake with pretzel infused Ice Cream and a Deconstructed Sweet Potato Whoopie Pie. That’s the same thing I was saying. The dessert god had delivered big time on this day. With full bellies and happy hearts we had to depart from Bar Margot. But it will not be the last time they see us.