HELP DAD GRILL LIKE A PRO

CHAR-BROIL GAS GRILL W/ INFRARED COOK TECHNOLOGYFather's day is quickly approaching!   Sunday June 19th is the day we are celebrating dad and all the things our Fathers do for us.   While most holidays and gift giving are really geared towards Mothers, this is one of very few days each year that dads should be getting just what they want.   If your father is anything like mine, when asked what he wants his standard reply is "I don't need anything".  Who mentioned NEED?OXO SLEEK GRILLING TOOLS   You see, most dads have gotten used to appreciating things they need, and not focusing on the material things they want.   This is a distinction that female shoppers learn early on during their first experiences with designer brands.   Of course luxury brands realize they are selling Wants, not Needs - and spend millions (or billions) on advertising to help blur the lines between the two concepts.   Most ads that ,again if your dad is anything like mine, pass him right by.

Dad's like to grill.   If for no other reason, it gives them a noble excuse to spend some time by themselves - while still providing for his family by creating great steaks or burgers in his own backyard. WEBER STAINLESS STEEL GAS GRILL  Also, the sense of pride that a guy achieves is grilling a perfectly cooked steak is unrivaled on the machismo scale. So take a look at this Char-Broil Grill from the folks at J&R Electronics.  This sleek black grill has all the gadgets and uses infrared technology to to get things sizzling.  If Stainless Steel fits into Mom's decor more than black, check out this Weber all natural gas grill from Buy.com.   If this grill can't cook what dad is preparing - call Fred Flintstone!   If dad already has the ultimate grill, how about a great set of tools from OXO at Bloomingdale's.  Click on the grill photos to find out more information.  

If your Dad is not the grill type - click Dapper Dad for more Father's Day suggestions!

FROM PUGLIA WITH LOVE

VILLA CAPPELLI "ITALIAN KITCHEN" GIFT BASKETThe idea of a well stocked Italian kitchen is a thing of legend.  Just thinking about it can make your mouth water.   While for some it might evoke memories of childhood, or a favorite vacation, anyone who has enjoyed a delicious plate of pasta with a homemade sauce can relate.   There is an indescribable feeling that comes with eating products of artisanal origin.  Few people are lucky enough to experience  this firsthand.  

The folks at Villa Cappelli just made the dream that much more attainable with the new gift baskets they are exporting to the States via SAMS CLUB.  

Villa Cappelli is located in the Puglia region of Italy ( think -the heel of the boot) along the Adriatic Sea. HARVESTED OLIVES AT VILLA CAPPELLI  The picturesque landscape of this region takes your breath away.  It has been said that more than one travel brochure promoting the pristine waters of the Caribbean and other exotic islands have actually been shot here along the coast of Puglia over the years!

Villa Cappelli sells all natural, 100% local products.  No artificial ingredients used.  The Villa's Olive Oil has just received the prestigious PDO Seal of the European Union.  The Protected Destination of Orginin Seal is a guarantee to consumers, ensuring that they are purchasing products of superb quality.

Italian classics like Virgin Olive Oil and handmade pasta fill the basket.  There are also novelty treats like sugar coated almonds  and sun-dried tomato paste that will make this a most welcomed gift for any host or hostess you are visiting for the weekend.   While you are at it, order one for yourself as well.   These are the kind of items that are great to have around the house when you need to throw together a great meal - fast.  The basket itself is almost reason enough to order this Italian treat.   At $78.00, you won't find a larger assortment of authentic products from Italy at a more reasonable price.   To order, click ITALIAN KITCHEN.

Basket Includes:BASKET AT THE VILLA CAPPELLI

Extra Virgin Olive Oil - 16.9 oz.

Spaghettata Blend 1.5 oz.

Pasta - 1 lb.

Exquisite Sun-Dried Tomatoes - 11 oz.

Erbe Di Puglia - 1.5 oz.

Sugar "Cracked" Almonds - 5 oz.

Sun-Dried Tomato Spread - 11 oz.

Olio Santo Chili - 16.9 oz.

100% Italian Sea Salt - 7 oz.

Taralli - 7.05 oz.



BEST BURGER (OR STEW) IN PARIS!

PLACE VENDOME AT SUNRISEThere are so many highlights to any trip to Paris- (the architecture, the view, the language)- that it is easy to overlook one culinary delight that should be on your list.   No I'm not talking about any classically French food but one that is as American as apple pie.  

Tucked down a charming street just off the Champs Elysees on Rue Pierre Charron- La Maison de l'Aubrac is the place to find the best burger, stew, or big juicy steak in Paris.  

Aubrac BEEF STEW - MAISON DE L'AUBRACis a region of France, and a breed of cattle that provides the organic and hormone free beef that goes into every dish prepared at Maison Aubrac.  

Open 24 hours a day, you are sure to find an eclectic crowd no matter the time.  Just steps from fashionable Avenue Montaigne, it is a place to go before or after a shopping extravaganza.  I've been there in the early afternoon, late evening, and early in the morning and anytime is a treat.  Put Maison Aubrac on the your list the next time you visit the city of light.  

I'm crazy for great burgers, so you can imagine my excitement when I found the Mac Aubrac (how they call it at Maison Aubrac). Don't expect a smile, but expect an awesome burger! See you in Paris.