the pantry

Entries in monthly horoscopes (4)

Tuesday
Nov222011

Cheers to you SAGITTARIUS all-stars!

sagittarius

See the world... must have tickets!

november 22 - december 21
ruled by: jupiter
status: I understand

quickfire
:
Encarta defines abundance as a fullness of spirit that overflows. That is you, Sag, in loads. Your free spirit craves travel and you adore foreign foods as long as you can find the locals' hangout. You love to be entertained while eating... good jokes or dinner theater, either works fine. Keep the overindulgence in check, except for your famous, first-class backyard barbecues!

horoscope:
Your plethora of personal relationships benefit well from the full moon lunar eclipse on the 10th. Use this planetary advantage to do some needed connection maintenance by planning spirited lunches in the square and hot chocolate meet ups under the holiday lights, but stay put on decision making until your heart settles on its intentions. Your temperament for living life large can cause unexpected expenses under the influence of the new moon in Capricorn on December 24th and the spirit of holiday surprises. Use your unique creativity to pull together fun and inspiring gifts within budget. You can make a splash in January after the
year-end bonus!

Your pairing: Breakfast for dinner! Crispy bacon and hashbrown quesadillas with quail eggs (Chef Bobby Flay) - paired with a chilled and bubbly Chandon Rosé

StarChefs: Rick Bayless, Bobby Flay, Duff Goldman, Jacques Pépin

 

 

Friday
Sep232011

happy birthday LIBRA all-stars!

Everything really is beautiful!

september 23 - october 22
ruled by: venus
status: I balance

quickfire:
Libra's proverbial passionate soul makes them the ultimate foodie. You require lots of texture in your foods, friends, and environments. Your need to constantly engage your senses motivates you to experience many cultural and exotic foods and just as many variations of people.

You love to orchestrate events and create experiences, engaging your vast networks. We all appreciate these skills, but please... learn to reign in your inner-control freakieness and the world will truly see through your rose-colored glasses and enjoy the social ride.

Libra StarChefs:
Emeril Lagassi, Robert Irvine, and Thomas Keller

(excerpt from Stars In Your Stomach)
Mangia
!

The great news is that our Libras are a extraordinary hosts!  They are passionate caretakers with vast social skills bringing together compelling groups of people in interesting surroundings. Libra’s need to consistently engage their senses motivates them to experience many cultural and exotic foods and just as many variations of people.  The bad news is that they typically want to initiate the event and make all the plans. If they don’t get to, they may be cranky and sulk through the forced socialization they had no control over.

Whenever possible say “Yes!” to hanging out with a Libra.  They are beautiful people, inside and out, and are architects of attraction.  They don’t like to be alone, so chances are you will get frequent opportunities to go out if you are on their network list.  If they must dine alone, their strong desire to be out amongst the world will drive them to eat out solo, but they won’t remain that way for very long.  Libra will genuinely befriend the staff of the restaurant by the time the salad arrives… and lucky you, some of these interesting people will probably appear at the next gathering that you’re invited to!  If you’re in need of a companion, don’t hesitate to call them – if they’re not free, they will usually include you in their plans.

The Libran eating environment can vary greatly.  The necessary components are a variety of food textures, interesting companionship, an attractive atmosphere, and good music.  They are creatures of beauty and romance.  Romance defined in the sense of romantic love, but also in the spirit or feeling of adventure.  They love being with a group of people dining family style, still preferably out in a restaurant.  If this type of eating requires the restaurant be foreign… Greek or Italian, all the better!  Libra is also completely in their element in a candlelit, white-linen hideaway booth with their lover or on a first date.  They are not shy about eating and will indulge whatever whim is present in the moment.  In either situation, they will happily ensure that whoever else is present is well cared for.  Although Libra’s social life may be a constant whirlwind of activity, they like to eat slowly… keep pace and they will love to share meals with you… finish early and watch them eat and they will take even longer!

Copyright 2011, all rights reserved.

 

Saturday
Aug132011

Leo / Virgo magazine horoscopes!

Here are the the Leo and Virgo birthday horoscopes... (usually) published in Napa Valley Life. This one missed the final Aug/Sep issue, but we still have it here for your reading pleasure!

There were lots of great StarChefs born under these two creative signs!

Download/View PDF

LEO
Summer sets the perfect stage for our shimmering Leo all-stars. Be sure to pace yourself at the BBQ parties, both your own and others, and give yourself plenty of quiet time to reconnect with your intuition. But, of course, bring on the cake and ice cream sundae bar for your big day… just reign in the temptation to celebrate all month! As Venus advances through Leo up to the 20th, your popularity soars and the law of attraction is abundant. The full moon on the 13th stimulates romance sizzle… now is the time to plan that weekend getaway.

Your pairing: Grilled filet mignon au poivre with fresh asparagus pasta salad and a spicy Zinfandel.
StarChefs: Julia Child, Alton Brown, Tom Colicchio, Giada DeLaurentiis, David Rocco, Martha Stewart

VIRGO
It’s time to believe what others have known for a long time… you are a star and can manifest your daydreams with little effort bringing you the recognition you truly want. Embrace this side of yourself and practice creativity. The kitchen is a good place to start breaking out. The full moon on the 12th will support these efforts by sharpening your skills of persuasion and keeping you in tune with partners of all types. Plan a special party for your birthday and show them your flair. Remember… life encompasses work AND play!

Your pairing: Summer pineapple glazed Cornish game hen with pine nut wild rice stuffing and crispy Pinot Grigio.
StarChefs: Mario Batali, Todd English, Michael Symon, Rachel Ray, Padma Lakshmi, Donatella Arpaia

 

Saturday
Feb122011

our new bi-monthly horoscope is published!

We're so excited and grateful to see our first Napa Valley Life Magazine feature in the February/March 2011 issue! Aquarius and Pisces foodie quirks are featured along with food and wine pairings, StarChefs, and a new sidebar - StarSight that shares each Sun Sign's Purpose, Gift, Challenge, and an Affirmation.

Check it out!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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