Piperade in San Francisco ~

It must be the season for eating amazing French Basque food.

First it was La Ferme, and now I was lucky enough to have just returned from a quick weekend to San Francisco where I was attending a dear friend's birthday celebration, and the grand fete was held at Piperade, one of my most favorite restaurants in the City.

It had been some time since I had the pleasure of dining at Piperade, so it was a real treat not only for my friend Alison (the birthday girl) and her 14 guests made up of family and friends, but for me, as well. Gerald Hirigoyen, the famed owner of Piperade and Bocadillos, and a good friend of mine, was on hand last Saturday making sure our table was having a great time and even took time out of his busy night to sweetly autograph his newest book, Pintxos, for Alison.

Onto the food...and my amazing gluten-free meal! Just so you all know, if you are a Celiac or on a gluten-free diet, Piperade's kitchen is very accommodating and able to ensure a safe and delicious GF meal. I have eaten there now for many years and always been safe and incredibly sated...so enjoy and just make sure to inform one of their friendly and professional staff of your special dietary needs.

My first course was this incredible Tipiak, or small plate that's a favorite - the flavors of sweet tanginess melded with creamy cheese are so unique.

Warm sheep's milk cheese and ham terrine with aged sherry

Next came this little lovely that was shared and devoured...

Pequillo peppers stuffed with goat cheese, pine nuts and golden raisins

And then my Handiak (or big plate) arrived...this amazing Euskaidun, or Basque classic dish of pork literally melted in my mouth and fell off the bone.

Roasted pork tenderloin with braised cabbage and figs

Sadly, I didn't get a snapshot of my "Koka", or caramel custard this time - it all happened so quickly, with candles and singing and birthday wishes...by the time I pulled out my camera to shoot my dessert - most of it had been shared and eaten up...oh well, there's always next time! But I did get a shot of the birthday girl's beautiful sweet treat -



Next time you are in San Francisco, make sure to visit Piperade or Bocadillos for an unforgettable lunch or dinner dining experience...and tell Gerald that I sent you!

Eskerrik Asko Gerald and staff for a perfect night out on the town!!

Piperade is located at:
1015 Battery St.
San Francisco, CA
(415)391-2555

Lunch served / Monday - Friday
Dinner served / Monday - Saturday
Closed / Sunday

La Ferme French Country Restaurant ~ Genoa, NV

A week ago, I had the pleasure of dining with the publishers of the upcoming new Edible Reno/Tahoe Magazine at the wonderful La Ferme Restaurant in Genoa, NV. The French Country restaurant is owned by a close family-friend, Gilles LaGouge who is French-Basque. He and his business partner and chef, Yves Gigot, opened La Ferme in the tiny, quaint and historic town of Genoa in 1998. The pair have roots in Los Angeles, along with pretty famous and interesting careers to back them up that have spanned 25+ years in the restaurant biz - very impressive!


La Ferme is like no other restaurant - its European charm and warmth envelope you as soon as you set foot on Gilles' property and by the time you've completed your dining experience for the evening, you just want to move in and never leave. Not only does their food offer and extraordinary journey for your taste buds, but truly all of your senses will be touched and catered to during a trip to La Ferme.


In addition to the wonderful and rustic house that La Ferme resides in, there is also the experience of stepping inside Gilles Menagerie & Boutique, housed inside one of the oldest bunk houses in Genoa - it's been restored of course, and oozes charm and charisma just like its owner, Gilles. The Boutique is Gilles' "sanctuary" so to speak, and a creative place that grew from his heart, offering clients the chance to purchase unique, one-of-a-kind gifts from all over Europe and the world...my favorite items come from the Basque Country, of course. In addition, Gilles has created a gorgeous line of jewelry that can be custom-ordered. It's an experience that's NOT to be missed when visiting La Ferme. Gilles' clientele come from all over the States and the world, scooping up his treasures, while appreciating his fine taste and eye for beauty.

Now to the food...our meals were incredible, as always. I hadn't been back to La Ferme in a couple of years and I had missed the experience of dining there and the fun and enchanting conversations that are always had with Gilles. This trip was especially enjoyable and fruitful, connecting La Ferme with the great gals Amanda and Jaci, who are starting Edible Reno/Tahoe magazine. Their appreciation for great, organic, farm-fresh food is contagious, and I can say that it was a very enlightened night of conversation and toasts! In addition, we received a tour of Yves' kitchen and met with their darling sous chef, Anne.

They make quite a team!

The other important news to share with fellow Celiacs or the gluten-intolerant is...La Ferme is very aware and able to prepare a variety of meals sans-gluten. That's the benefit of eating food that's incredibly fresh and not too tampered with - so have no reservations about being able to dine fabulously and without fear...but do make reservations.

Our first course was brought to us courtesy of Chef Yves Gigot, and other than the bread, I was able to eat everything.

Cured salmon with toasted almonds, an amazing cherry compote, with crisp, cheesy bread sticks

My next course was incredible - the Mediterranean antipasti. The yogurt cheese just melted in my mouth and Gilles home-grown cherry tomatoes that were marinated in some kind of fresh fruit were out of this world...

Mediterranean antipasti, yogurt cheese, house pickles (including amazing cherry tomatoes), and lemon hummus

The baby green salad was shared by the three of us and it was so fresh and delish-

Baby Mixed Green Salad , Pistachio Vinaigrette, Toasted Pepitas

My entree was so beautiful to the eye, that I really didn't want to disturb its perfection...but alas, my desire and hunger won out...This has always been my favorite dish at La Ferme...and somehow they continue to perfect it!

Coq au Vin "Mere Grand"

And if it's hard to believe there was still room for dessert, think again. This amazing little French creation was like eating sugary, lemony clouds dancing around in the sky...sigh....can it get any better than this? Non!

Floating Island: lemon curd and oeufala neige. A French-Basque treat!

Now that your mouth is watering and your are warming up the car to drive to La Ferme for dinner, make sure you call first for a reservation and note that they are closed on Mondays.

La Ferme is now also offering, in addition to their fabulous daily menu, a three-course meal that includes wine and coffee for only $35 per person - an amazing offer that you can experience Tuesday through Sunday nights.

And finally, Gilles wanted everyone to know that La Ferme is also in the catering business, providing clients with the incredible quality of food served in their restaurant, with very affordable catering/event rates. They are able to cater small gatherings to large events and weddings...and everything in between. Contact them directly for more information.

As we were leaving La Ferme last week after our fantastic dining experience, we had the pleasure of being visited by one of Gilles and Yves' gorgeous Great Pyrenees dogs, Neige. She and her siblings are regulars at La Ferme and they truly add to the unique, family-like atmosphere...don't be mistaken, they ARE part of the La Ferme family. There's a grand portrait of them all above the kitchen door to prove it!

Bon Appetit!!

See you in Genoa~

Tia's Sweet Treats in the News...

Good morning -

We woke up to find our first news article about Tia's Sweet Treats in today's (this week's) Northern Nevada Business Weekly! We are so excited about carving our little Gluten-Free niche here in Reno, and well beyond.

We are baking away this week, so place your orders now on-line or call:775-230-1442 .


The other great news for Tia's Sweet Treats is that our macaroons are now being sold at The Hub Coffee Co. in Reno on Gluten-Free Thursdays!

The Hub is located at: 26 Cheney St. in downtown Reno.

See you there for an amazing cappuccino and macaroon!

Simply Yummmmm~

A post-holiday crazy, busy week inspired this yummy and simple breakfast-for-dinner idea that I thought you might like to cook in your kitchen.

Growing up in my family, there were times when we would have breakfast for dinner - the occasional omelette or pancakes were always a big hit with my brother and me and still to this day, I love whipping up scrambled eggs as an entree! With that in mind, I've been revisiting my childhood love (totally inspired by my mother)of poached eggs on toast...or in this case, a softly fried eggs on toast. Paired with some delicious cheese, and fresh tomatoes with a fig balsamic, you've got yourself one tasty and nutritious meal that can be created in ten minutes.

I've also been on a fresh herb kick lately. While perusing the Whole Foods produce section the other day, I came across a perfect package of fresh sage, thyme and rosemary and have been throwing them in with just about everything I've eaten. I'm always amazed at what a fresh herb will do to your food - with nothing more than some olive oil and sea salt to accompany, food comes to life under the profound influence of an herb.

Isn't that wonderful?

And when I cook this way, it's a distinct reminder about the essence and importance of eating real food and why we do not need to alter everything, process it with junk and throw it in a box to be eaten via microwave. Blahhh - I'm getting the chills just thinking about that process, all the while, the poor food screaming out, "we taste great just as we are, just as nature intended...honest!"


So, to keep your food from screaming out with displeasure...try this simple recipe for lightly fried/poached eggs on toast with rosemary, avocados and delicious little tomatoes.

Serves 2-

- 4 Fresh eggs

- 4 Slices of gluten-free bread (your choice but I like Food for Life's Rice Pecan bread)

- 1 Ripe avocado

- 2 Pats of organic butter

- 2 Tsp. olive oil

- Sprigs of rosemary, thyme and sage (as much as you desire)

- 4 Slices of any delicious Swiss, jack or mozzarella cheese

- 4 Oz. of sliced turkey, gluten-free

- 8 0z. package of mixed medley cherry tomatoes (I love the yellow and orange variety)

- 2 Tbsp. Fig balsamic

- Salt and pepper to taste

First, wash and half the cherry tomatoes and place them in a saute pan with 2 tsp. of olive oil, salt and pepper. Add sprigs of fresh herbs, as much as you like, and saute for 5-7 minutes on med-high, until tomatoes start to soften. Then put bread slices in toaster for your desired amount of toastyness. While toasting, remove tomatoes from burner and place to the side in a separate bowl. Use the same saute pan to lightly fry your eggs - cook with rosemary and until yolks just start to form.

Spread pats of butter onto the toast, then place two on each plate. Layer with fresh cheese slices, turkey and then place fried egg on top (to melt it all together!). Slice fresh avocado on top of the eggs and divide up the sauteed tomatoes onto each plate. Drizzle fig balsamic on tomatoes. Salt and pepper to your liking.

That's it - simple and delicious.

Enjoy your breakfast-for-dinner or whenever really, and keep your food happy!

I would love to hear about what your favorite gluten-free recipes are!
Please pass them along.

Welcome 2010!!

Happy New Year!!

I don't know about you, but I can say that I'm thrilled to be leaving good old 2009 in the dust and moving into 2010. It's not that last year didn't have it's bright spots, but let's just say it was a very challenging year, especially in regards to my health, given the numerous gluten poisonings that I endured.

This year the goal is = NO Gluten encounters whatsoever!!(Can you hear me knocking on my wooden desk?)

Seriously though...It is my goal. Better self care and being a stronger advocate for myself.

I think this All-Clad saute pan I received for Christmas is going to help me reach the above mentioned goal. You see, I've been dreaming of receiving this gorgeous All-Clad Stainless Steel saute/ simmer pan for quite some time, and now I have my secret-Santa to thank for delivering this little jewel under my tree! (Thanks Dad!)


The point is that I can't wait to start cooking more and more at home and eating out less and less. I will also have to fess up to the fact that I've now watched the movie, "Julie and Julia" three times and am seriously contemplating selling everything I own, throwing caution to the wind, and moving to Paris to attend Le Cordon Bleu! I wish. But don't think this thought hasn't seriously been swirling around my head for the past two weeks, all inspired by a love of cooking, a really good movie and cookbook and the beginning of Tia's Sweet Treats. Cooking and baking seem to be taking up permanent residence in my kitchen and in my life - I love that.

There's just something so damn romantic to me about being inside my cozy home, music playing low, candles lit and being in the kitchen creating delicious and gluten-free food to eat and share with others. I am finding more and more that the kitchen is becoming my inspiration for creative thinking, and the more I want to cook, the more I want to write...okay and then travel! They all seem to inspire me in equal-parts/different ways.


That being said, after this latest Christmas/family trip/NYE vacation to San Diego to spend time with my brother and his family, I'll be staying put for a while. Thought I was soooooooooo grateful to have traveled for ten days without any gluten incidents...see, I'm already off to a good start. Even our day at Disneyland proved to be joyful and safe. Not only did we pack a hearty lunch for everyone, but the Mexican restaurant that we ate dinner at (us and 10 million others) contained one very helpful chef who KNEW all about eating gluten-free, and guided me through my entire meal selection. It was awesome, I have to say! Thank you Mr. Disney chef!


On another bright note - Tia's Sweet Treats is up and running and ready to take your orders. Our gluten-free, organic Macaroons brought a lot of smiles to the faces of our first customers during the holidays. We would love to put smiles on more and more faces.


Between baking macaroons and cooking in my new All-Clad saute pan, I'm sure to be a very happy camper in the coming days and weeks, and I cannot promise that I won't be tempted to move "Julie and Julia" back to the #1position in my Netflix queue - sorry, just too tempting and inspirational!

I wish you and yours a wonderful, joyful, prosperous, and Gluten-Free 2010~

Tia's Sweet Treats Have Arrived ~

Earlier this year, a beloved, recently departed doctor friend said to me, "you know Aimee, sometimes life makes our decisions for us."...At the time, I wasn't quite sure that I understood what he was saying, but his words have stuck with me and I've pondered them intensely, coming to a deeper understanding as the time has passed.

I've worked in public relations and advertising for many years and I still love what I do, but along the way this other passion showed up in my life, through no choice of my own, leaving me with Celiac Disease and a deep desire to help others and create something good. "Good" in the sense of doing so for others, teaching those newly diagnosed how to manage living gluten-free with abundance and joy and, yes, creating something delicious to share with the world.

Today, my mother and I are really excited and happy to announce the launch of our Gluten-Free Baked Goods business, Tia's Sweet Treats!!!


We are currently baking delicious, Gluten-Free, organic Macaroons in a variety of five flavors, all free of nuts, as well. We use only the finest, organic ingredients that are bought locally and baked in a 100% Gluten-Free baking facility.

Macaroons~

- Holiday Cranberry

- Holiday Peppermint

- Traditional

- Meyer Lemon

- Coco


Since the first moment I tasted a Parisian macaroon in Paris, I've been hooked - though the macaroons we are baking do not look like the ones you find in the City of Lights, the essence of their tradition and taste are captured. The authenticity of our recipe and flavors are derived from a combination of my grandmother's recipe and many hours of research and taste-testing by my mother and me - Fun job, no?!


You might ask where the "Tia" comes from in our company name? Well, it's derived from the love and sweetness that is shared between my nephew and me and our love for gluten-free foods. You see, given our Basque/Spanish heritage, I wanted my nephew, Alex to call me "Tia," which means Aunt in Spanish. "Aunt" just wasn't going to cut it! Alex is also the first person in our family to be educated and exposed to gluten-free foods since he was born and as he's grown, really enjoys eating my food and loves to try everything I eat. We have always shared this sweet bond of eating gluten-free muffins and Lara Bars together - and his awareness of what I can and cannot eat is astounding to me - he's so intuitive about gluten and understanding what is safe for his "Tia" to eat. The other reason for the name...truthfully, is the sound of his little voice that's conjured up in my head every time I hear the word, "Tia" spoken...it's priceless to me and I wanted to honor Alex and our special bond in this way.


We are accepting pre-orders now and will have our full line of Macaroons available for pick-up after January 15, 2010. Please visit our website for a list of pricing and the necessary contact information or email us at: info@tiassweettreats.com.

We look forward to baking for you, your friends, colleagues, family, and other loved ones and we guarantee a safe and delicious 100% Gluten-Free experience that will leave your taste buds and tummy wanting for more.

Tia's Sweet Treat's wishes you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

See you in 2010 ~

Oh the Weather Outside is Frightful...

I guess winter has arrived a bit early.

Enjoy a serene and gluten-free weekend ~

P.S. - Hot tip: I had a client event today and had ordered a Gluten-free veggie baked potato from BJ's Restaurant and Brewery in Reno. They offer a GF menu, so we ordered off of that and my dear client was so sweet to triple-check my order when she picked it up...however, when I opened the potato and found a side of what I believed to be melted butter (per my request) I was shocked to realize that it was not! After taking two or three tastes, I realized that it was more of a fettuccine sauce (with most likely some flour!), not butter. So once again, don't ever 100% trust ordering off of a gluten-free menu.

It obviously always pays to stand next to the chef in the kitchen and watch his or her every move! Well, since that's not really possible just realize that there's always a risk involved.

My two hour "will I get sick" time frame is almost up, and I'm praying that I will not get sick from this mishap. My client asked ALL the right questions - it's strictly the insane lack of knowledge that most all kitchens possess when it comes to truly knowing how to serve a gluten-free customer! I could go on...but I digress.

Just wanted to pass this information along!