Archive for the ‘Discover’ Category
holiday traditions // latin american style
Discoveries by Debbi DiMaggio
This year the holiday season began for me at a Williams-Sonoma Cooking Class just a few weeks before Christmas.
Our view from the top floor of Williams-Sonoma on Union Square at Christmas
Learning about other cultures fascinates me. I am naturally drawn to Caribbean and Mediterranean cultures… the passion, food and music. So, when the co-owner of Pica Pica Maize Kitchen invited me to experience Venezuelan Christmas traditions, I said, “of course!”
First, I went to a Hallaca cooking class at Williams-Sonoma, Union Square. From my perspective, the Hallaca is a lot like the Spanish tamale. I can see why families would take days to make them… very involved. Adriana Lopez, chef and co-owner, and her crew from Pica Pica made it easy. We rolled the maize, stacked the mixture, and wrapped and tied them in the leaves.
A little lesson: In Venezuelan cuisine, a Hallaca (“hayaca”) typically involves a mixture of meat (we had chicken) capers, sweet raisins and zesty olives wrapped in maize (cornmeal dough), bound with string within plantain leaves, and boiled afterwards, very tasty.
You can order them NOW online at www.picapicakitchen.com
Then I was invited to the Oxbow Public Market in Napa for “Parranda 2011.” (photo above). I experienced more great food from Pica Pica, and tasted unique wines from South America by Taste Vino ( www.taste-vino.com ), but the best part was what followed… line dancing with our new friends from Pica Pica. Everyone dancing knew the words and dance steps, song after song. A little secret about myself…many do not know, but I listen to Latin and Hispanic music when driving in my car. No, I don’t understand the lyrics, but I love the beat. I enjoy it so much it seems that I must understand the words, it fills my soul and makes me smile.
Another lesson: Parranda is a musical form from the coastal area of Venezuela where the tambora (drum) becomes the main accompanying instrument. Parrandas are musical festivities during the Christmas season holiday.
I have to admit that after trying the various items on the menu, one of my TOPS is the Yucca fries (you can order them plain or with garlic). They alone are worth making the drive; whether to Pica Pica Maize Kitchen in San Francisco on Valencia Street or at Oxbow Napa.
Next on my list, Flamenco dance lessons with Adriana… There is always more to discover!
Feliz Navidad Merry Christmas Happy 2012!
XOXO!
Debbi
what we learn through team sports // prepares us for every aspect of our own life…
Lessons Learned: Magnified
will to succeed
determination
teamwork
leadership
friends & teammates ( my boys! )
The Piedmont High School JV Highlanders Football Season was one of celebration and lessons learned. Of course, it would have been wonderful if the team won all of their games, however, the experience of their few losses allowed them to learn so much more. Although I am not very knowledgeable about football, it was much easier for me to follow along then I thought. Not only having my son’s bright shoes as a reference point, but knowing his friends on the field allowed me to understand more easily. A proud mother, of 45 football players, I’d say. I reveled in each game as I witnessed their quick moves, timely plays, amazing interceptions, awe inspiring completions, and knock down tackles. As in life, lessons learned can be used in the future, whether in business or social, as an individual, or as a team… if you allow them.
Just as an actor may draw upon his or her emotions and past experiences to deliver a magnificent performance, these athletes will draw from this season… lessons of a lifetime.
applaud teammates
learn from your mistakes
leaders are not always right
forgive
the agony of defeat
false starts
respect
patience
leadership
re group
laser focus
repetition
the struggle makes you stronger, tougher, better
discipline
commitment
never give up: persist and perservere
thrill of victory
working together creates a more successful result
outcomes can change with the blink of an eye
never stop giving it your all
it’s never over ‘til it’s over
control
emotional swing
motivation
passion
encourage your teammates
courage
frustration
there is no substitute for preparation and hard work
show up
110%
playbook is still unwritten
GAME ON!
See you in the bleachers next year!
XOXO! Debbi
