Nisa Lee - Celebrity Chef, Caterer, Event Planner

The menu is simple but sophisticated and as festive as the season...

Nisa is featured on the cover of the Life&Style section of The Journal News, December 8, 2011, showing readers how to plan a simple holiday dinner using a buffet of small bites of hearty dishes that play on traditional holiday fare but are more festive, modern and even more affordable than sit-down affairs.

http://www.lohud.com/article/20111208/LIFESTYLE01/312080010/An-elegant-holiday-buffet?odyssey=nav|head

100,000 thai monks in Prayer...

POWERFUL!!

Bangkok (AsiaNews) – In a campaign sponsored by the Government of Thailand and Buddhist religious leaders, more than 100,000 monks have been ordained in order to promote a better role model of ethical conduct and solidarity. The initiative involves some 80,000 villages spread across the country. Starting today until 8 March, the new monks will follow a special 49-day training programme under the guidance of elderly monks. The programme includes meditations and lessons and will be broadcast by satellite TV.

One of the most beautiful event that I had ever attended at the NY Public Library on Monday.  Had the pleasure of meeting Preston Bailey, Vera Wang, Silvia Weinstock and others within the Wedding Industry.  Doesn't get any better than this.

Jami Saunders, www.jamisaunders.com, and I wrote, "He loves me, he loves me, KNOT!"  

So much fun!

3 Things you NEED to KNOW!

1) Rentals – double check with your wedding planner that all items needed for your reception are available and ready before delivery. Make sure you have a contact number for emergencies and if they need to make a re-run on any items that were not delivered or misplaced.

2) Flowers – make sure they are fresh and not damaged or been refrigerated too long or been in and out of refrigeration. How can you tell, the tips of the flowers are brown or the petals are wilting.

3) Wedding Favors – Keep it practical and useful. Select gifts that will be meaningful to your guests so that they don’t place it in the closet. What’s always fun, gift cards as little as $5 (starbucks, bakery, etc.). This is wonderful for guests from out of town, they can go and enjoy it near their hotel.

Remember to have FUN!

If you are in search of a meaningful expression of LOVE, "I carry your heart" by EE Cummings is the most eloquent statement of LOVE for marriage, life, and in the moment.  

Like, WOW!!!  

"I carry your heart with me (I carry it in my heart).  

I am never without it

(Anywhere I go you go, my dear; and whatever is done by only me is your doing, my darling).  

I fear no fate (for you are my fate, my sweet). 

I want no world (for beautiful you are my world, my true) 

and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant 

and whatever a sun will always sing is you. 

Here is the deepest secret nobody knows 

(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud and the sky of the sky of a

tree called life; which grows higher than soul can hope or mind can hide) 

and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart.   

I carry your heart (I carry it in my heart)."

__________________

Walk the ends of the earth? these mothers have and continue to do so. 

30 days and 30 nights, to get food, water, and help for their children.  Don't forget that they were robbed and stripped of their belongings along the way. 

Let's do our part to help these moms and their families in Somalia.  We can provide food, water, vaccines, and more.  Whatever we can do goes a long way.  With just one click, we can help save a generation.

2 MILLIION CHILDREN AT RISK

http://www.unicefusa.org/work/emergencies/horn-of-africa/

http://www.unicefusa.org/

http://www.worldvision.org/content.nsf/pages/horn-of-africa-famine-2011?open&campaign=113655232&cmp=KNC-113655232

At the end of the day, we are grateful for our children, family, and friends, no matter what we do or where we are in our lives!!

BREAKFAST/LUNCH

ACE Hotel - The Breslin

http://thebreslin.com/

ULTRA CHIC, FESTIVE, AND HIP 

(Perfect meeting spot and happy hour!)

1.   Imperial No. Nine at Mondrian Soho Hotel

Garden bar and restaurant - it's where the beautiful people hang out.  Very elegant with a european flair.

http://www.mondriansoho.com/en-us/#/explore/?id=/mondrian-soho-imperial-no-nine/

2.   Biergarten

Located at the Standard Hotel, unique beer selections, so many and so little time to try them all...hint, go early on Wednesday and Thursday to play ping pong.  BEER PONG, anyone?

http://www.standardhotels.com/new-york-city/bars/biergarten/

3.   The Mermaid Inn

Perfect summer time fare-oysters, lobster rolls, steamed crabs with malets.  The fortune teller miracle fish is hysterical!

http://www.themermaidnyc.com/

DINNER

1.   The Standard Grill

Perfect spot to people watch and more.  Not to mention amazing food and service!  My husband and I closed down the restaurant.  Babysitter called to see if we were coming home, it was 2am on a Thursday night.

http://thestandardgrill.com/

2.   Brushstroke

http://www.davidbouley.com/

Haven for foodies-8 course prefix tasting menu...LOVED every bite.

3.   Momofuku

http://www.momofuku.com/restaurants/ssam-bar/

Fun adventurous food!

4.   Abe & Arthur's 

http/www.abeandarthursrestaurant.com/

Their Filet Mignon-soooo good!  It's the perfect steak.

HIBISCUS CHAMPANGE TONIC

Halle Berry & Vanessa William's Favorite

Festive signature drink for all to enjoy from the plunge project.

http://theplungeproject.com/signature-wedding-cocktails

Ingredients:

1tsp. rose water

1tsp. fresh lime juice

4tsp. wild hibiscus-flower syrup

Sparkling rosé wine

Hibiscus flower for garnish

Instructions:

Place a wild hibiscus flower and rose water in the bottom of a champagne flute.

Add lime juice and hibiscus syrup.

Top with rosé wine.

        

Many brides changes between the ceremony and the party. Or just might take the dress off at the end of the night. Make sure your bridesmaids place their dresses in a garment bag or a special bag for them to bring back to the hotel or home for you. NEVER place them in a garbage bag! It will be picked up and put in with other trash bags. It has happened. YIKES!!!

2)   Establish secure gift drop area and transferal of gifts!

Often people will be bring an envelope with cash or a wrapped gift for the couple. Designate a member of the wedding party to oversee the drop box and collection of gifts. Also, prior to the wedding establish who will be transferring wedding gifts to the designated area for the bride and groom and how they will get home. Best advice, someone who is not drinking.

3)   Lingerie Bag - Not what you are Thinking!

Keep slips, strapless bras, hoisery on hand for last minute needs in case someone from the wedding party forgets and any stains from a drink or eating mishap.

4)   Ring Pillow       

Make sure the rings can go on safely and securely before handing it over to your young ring bearer. PLUS, be sure to test out how easily the rings can be removed from the holders. Took the best man 5 minutes to get the rings out, he was beyond nervous...

5)   Review electricity and plumbing for at home weddings!

Make sure the DJ or band has their own designated electricity source or at the very least aren't plugging into catering and lighting sources. Don't want to short out the circuits. And regarding plumbing and septic tanks, make sure it is drained and washed out before your wedding day. Helps to avoid clogged systems. There is nothing worse!

It's a Family Affair...America Gets Married

and More!

http://us2.campaign-archive1.com/?u=8da34f064e7c1e8a490da167c&id=8bb70fd03c

ANYTHING is possible when you put your mind on something.

It only took 10 DAYS!

In Today's Westchester Magazine - Pop Up Thai in Pelham

http://www.westchestermagazine.com/Blogs/Eat-Drink-Post/July-2011/Pop-Up-Thai-in-Pelham-and-Shake-Shack-Hits-Westport/

On the same page with Danny Meyer and The Union Square Hospitality Group,

can it be FATE?!!!

Perhaps Danny will come in and we can expand Nisa Lee's Thai Cafe...ONE DAY!

Summer Favorites - Ceviche of Phuket, Diver Scallops with Green Curry Glaze, Asian Salad with Crunchy Noodles and Toasted Almonds, Grilled Ginger Skirt Steak, and my Signature Pad Thai

asian salad with crunchy noodles and toasted almonds

                    grilled ginger skirt steak                                               signature pad thai

Elegant, Simple, and Tasty

http://nisalee.webs.com/nisaleecafe.htm

http://www.vanleeuwenicecream.com/

Perfect for the summer. My other favorites, Pistachio and Red Currant.  Doesn't get any better than this!

My FAVORITE Drink!!

Went to SPICE MARKET, www.spicemarketnewyork.com, 

located in the meat packing district.

Refreshing, light, sweet, tangy and goes down so EASILY!

Met with Jean Georges and he shared with me his recipe.

Ginger Lime Margarita

1 teaspoon ground ginger

2 teaspoons kosher salt

Ice

3 tablespoons organic tequila

1 1/2 tablespoons Ginger-Lime Syrup

1 tablespoon Cointreau

1 teaspoon fresh lime juice

1 lime wedge, for garnish

On a plate, mix the ground ginger and salt. Moisten the rim of a margarita glass with water and dip the rim in the ginger salt to coat. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the tequila, Ginger-Lime Syrup, Cointreau and lime juice and shake well. Strain the drink into the margarita glass, garnish with the lime wedge and serve.

Ginger Lime Syrup

4 ounces fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced (1 cup)

1 cup fresh lime juice

1 cup sugar

In a small saucepan, combine the ginger, lime juice and sugar and bring to a boil. Boil for 2 minutes. Let cool to warm, then puree in a blender. Pour the puree into a fine strainer and press on the ginger to extract as much syrup as possible.

Let me know what you think!

What's your favorite?  

Share a recipe,

I would love to try it and introduce it at my next cocktail reception.

            My four children (not in this picture) ground me with their laughter and humor every day.  As a busy mom, hearing their laughter allows me to shift and laugh with them.  It releases the stress and conflict of my daily routines. 

Laughter is the strongest and cheapest medicine for all of us.  Nothing works faster or more dependably to bring your mind and body back into balance than a good laugh. Humor is infectious. It lightens your burdens, inspires hopes, connects you to others, and keeps you grounded, focused, and alert. 

Why laugh?    

Because,

• It's good for your health and well being.
• Relaxes your body.
• Boost the immune system, decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells (infection fighting antibodies), therefore improving your resistance to disease.
• Triggers your endorphins, your body's natural feel-good chemicals.

As EE Cummings so eloquently states, “The most wasted of all days is one without laughter”.

So, give yourself a good LAUGH today and every day!

Fresh cut FLOWERS

My favorite arrangement, white lilies with white roses!  It’s beautiful, simple, and elegant.  Plus, the fragrance of the lillies will ignite your senses to create a healthy delicious dinner for you and your family.  OR, order out!  Either way, everyone will be dining in a HAPPY kitchen.

WATER! 

The best way to CLEAN mushrooms is to dust the caps with a dry paper towel. 

My kids call this process,  “the dirt duster”.   It’s a job in the kitchen that they all love to do.   

Last Friday was warm and gorgeous!  It was a balming 60 degrees in the middle of February in NY.  You can taste and smell that Spring was in the air.  Even though it was a teaser, it still made you feel fresh and alive. 

Imagine how you would feel if you were to include these three surprising fat burners into your daily diet. So, on your next trip to the grocery store, toss  these natural products into your shopping cart.

   PEARS – rich in fiber!

One pear packs about 15% of your daily diet.  Try eating a pear before a meal to help curb your hunger.  It will make you feel full and keeps you from overeating.  Ditch the peeler, the fruit’s beneficial fiber is in the skin.

ALMONDS – zaps fat! 

22 almonds (one serving) a day, is all you need. According to diet- study participants who maintains a healthy diet and ate almonds every day for 6 months, lost 18% of their body fat.  Kick start your day with finely chopped almonds and add them to your oatmeal or granola.

GRAPEFRUIT – regulates insulin 

(fat storage hormone). 

Eating half a grapefruit before each meal may help you lose the weight.  A compound in this fruit helps regulate insulin.  In lieu of OJ, drink a glass of fresh squeeze grapefruit juice. Or simply peel and cut them into your favorite salad.

Imagine what would happen if you combined ALL 3 into your daily diet…a little lighter, slimmer, and ready for SPRING!

are two of the most SEDUCTIVE foods in the world. 

Throughout history, they are both delicious indulgences.  They can elevate, stimulate, and create a very pleasurable tasting experience. So...

Why not give your Valentine a blind taste test to arouse his or her senses.  It will open their true intentions, to be as Sweet as HONEY or as Sinful as DARK CHOCOLATE.

To me, the taste of

HONEY is like the “Perfect First Kiss” – sweet, silky, and smooth.

DARK CHOCOLATE is simply a "Sexy, Luscious, and Sinful Temptation”.