BIANCA & XIAO ATTEND SUNDAY'S GRAND TASTING AT SOBE WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL



Xiao & Bianca

 Well I can't believe it but we are at the last event that I will be attending during the 2011 SOBE Wine & Food Festival!

My FIU student for the Sunday Grand Tasting was Xiao Lin Pan. I first saw Xiao running towards me when she spotted me at the entrance to the village.

Xiao is this lovely young woman and at first blush, she seems like a hothouse flower. Let me tell you that is as far from the truth as you can get.

Xiao is a strong, vivrant young woman who took her assignment of assisting me during the event very seriously. Xiao focus was to make sure that I was safe, comfortable and if I needed anything, she was there to get it.

Because on Saturday the eager crowd pinned me down against the barrier in front of the stage, the Security guys decided to put my walker and myself behind the barrier. Unfortunately, Xiao got "bopped" in the face by the walker. We were all concerned, but Xiao just brushed it off and said "I am OK, I am tough!"

Tough she is! She asked me to call her when I got back to my Hotel and to make sure to let her know that I got back safe and sound to Los Angeles.

I love this young woman! Xiao will be an incredible asset to the Tourism and Hospitality industry. Xiao is strong, caring, determined and compassionate. I am honored to call her my friend.

BIANCA & LILLIAN ATTEND PAULA DEEN'S GOSPEL BRUNCH

Lillian and Bianca

Amen and Hallelujah! Lillian and I had a blast at Paula Deen's Gospel Brunch! As Lee Schrager told this HOT ticket sold out in 3 hours.

With inspirational music and outrageously delicious, soul satisfying Southern breakfast treats, the Gospel Brunch was the place to be this Sunday.

My FIU student for this event was Lillian Poletti. Lillian is a strong, confident young woman with her head straight and her feet firmly planted on the ground.

Lillian took care of me as if I was part of her family. We had a table full of terrific people and the conversation was spirited and funny.

It was amazing to sit and chat with Lillian and find that her level of maturity is beyond her young years. That being said, Lillian is fun to be around!

I look forward to hear how this remarkable young woman's life progresses! I guarantee that Lillian will be a tremendous asset to any Tourism and Hospitality career path she takes.

BIANCA & TIK ATTEND SOBE WINE & FOOD's SATURDAY GRAND TASTING

Bianca & Tik

Tik, my FIU student volunteer, and I spent a glorious Saturday at the 2011 South Beach Wine & Food Festival's Grand Tasting. Jamie Oliver, Giada DeLaurentis, Emeril Lagasse, Ming Tsai, Sunny Anderson and Alex Guarnaschelli entertained and dazzled us with their culinary expertise, quick wit and joie de vivre! (pictures and videos to come.)

Tik was a great assistant throughout the day. He is a wonderful young man, kind, respectful and eager to help. Tik will do well in the Hospitality and Tourism industry because of his servant's heart.

And the most amazing thing Tik help me with was when we left the grand tasting, we walked 12 BLOCKS to my hotel! For a person like myself with Parkinson's that is quite an accomplishment. The ONLY reason I was able to do that after such a full day at SOBEWFF was because Tik was with me every step! Tik made me feel safe.

I enjoyed our time together and know we will be friends for a long time.

BIANCA & MONIKA ATTEND "LET THEM EAT CAKE"

The second FIU student that assisted me on Friday night was Monika Fuentes. From the first time we chatted about this project Monika and connected on so many levels that it was uncanny.

Monika's Mother is from the same province in Cuba as myself. When talking about family, I almost felt as if Monika was part of mine.  That feeling increased when Monika picked me up outside the Fountainebleu Hotel. MinHee delivered me to Monika's car and we were off to SOBEWFF's 10th Anniversary party, "Let Them Eat Cake". (videos and pictures of the event will be posted next week.)



Bianca & Monika

I love this young woman! Bubbly and full of life is how I describe Monika. Last night Monika's goal was to be of service to me throughout the event.

From making sure that she picked me up on time to getting me into the event, Monika was totally on point. Anyone in the Hospitality and Tourism business would be enriched by Monika.

Once we got into the event, Monika not only was a great help to me but was like a girlfriend out on Friday night!

She got a kick out of Duff Goldman and Jaques Torrez! Meeting Martha Stewart (and being impressed by what a beautiful woman Martha is) a thrilled for Monika.

Just like Laura, Monika was my eyes and ears wherever I could not get to because of Parkinson's!

Again, Monika is a friend for life!

BIANCA & MINHEE @ BEST OF BEST 2011

Friday night was a great night at the 2011 SOBE Wine and Food Festival.  I attended 2 events, Best of the Best and Let Eat Cake. Next week I will post pictures and videos, but now I want to tell you about the 2 young ladies that assisted me at the events.



Bianca & MinHee



MinHee is currently working at a hotel, her first actual job in hospitality, and so far she loves it! "I don't dread going to work and I enjoy working with the people I work with."

These days,MinHee is earning that it's the people around you who have a big influence on whatever you do. Especially at work, the people aroundl her make it enjoyable,

MinHee enjoys going fishing, reading, hanging out with her 2 adorable kitties. Her ultimate favorite channels are the Food Network and the Travel Channel. MinHee states "My final dream in the end is to become a teacher (sometime in the future after I experience hospitality a bit more)."

I loved having MinHee assist me during Best of the Best. MinHee again is everything you want in a person going into the Hospitality & Tourism career. She is attentive, eager to be of service, polite, caring and pays attention to details. MinHee's warmth and heart are evident in her beautiful smiling face. I look forward to calling MinHee my friend for many years to come!

BIANCA & LAURA GO TO THE BURGER BASH!

Bianca & Laura

Next week I will post Burger Bash videos and pictures, but now I want to talk about FIU's Laura Torres.

Laura was my helper, assistant, videographer and girlfriend during the Burger Bash.

This young woman is the epitomy of what the Hospitality & Tourism industry should strive to be. Laura is has a servants heart, a quick mind, flexible and ready to tackle any task! As if that is not enough, Laura an infectious smile that lights up a room.

 Laura was a great support for me as we made our way through the Burger Bash with my walker - tasting great burgers, side dishes and desserts; interviewing the Chefs and filming them; and all around having fun!

As my videographer, Laura was my eyes and ears when I could not get somewhere because of my PD.


I love this young woman and am proud to call her a "friend for life"!

Bianca the Foodie is in South Beach 4 the SOBE Wine & Food Festival

Whole Foods Market Grand Tasting Village - Saturday & Sunday - South Beach Has Never Been Better

There is no better way go to the beach then to attend this year's Whole Foods' Grand Tasting Village. Whether I am attending one of the Culinary and Lifestyle Seminars or visiting the many wine and food stations, South Beach has never been better. (See list below of scheduled chefs).

For the 10th anniversary of the festival wines of Italy will be featured. And as if that is not enough, souvenir for the event will be a copy of Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival Cookbook (Clarkson Potter, Fall 2010) with a foreword by Anthony Bourdain.

Tik Chan

The FIU students assisting me during the Grand Tastings:

SATURDAY:  Kai Tik Chan is known by "Tik". Born in Hong Kong, Tik came to the United States 11 years ago. Tik is in his junior year at FIU pursing a Bachelor of Science Degree in Hospitality Management.

"I chose this major because I love meeting new people and I really like to be part in this industry. I love to smile, and I think I'm always a positive person. I'm really happy I have the opportunity to assist you in this event, I'm looking forward to meet you and I'll do my best to be your assistant next Saturday."


I look forward to our time together!

Xiao Lin Pan

SUNDAY: Xiao Lin Pan is in her junior year at FIU pursuing a Bachelor of Science Degree in Hospitality Management. Born in Shanghai, China, Xiao is fluent in Cantonese, Mandarin Chinese, Shanghainese. Raised by a very supportive mother, Xiao has been in the U.S. since middle school.

Although she describes herself as shy, Xiao looks forward to a career in the Hotel Industry where her language skills as well as her desire to serve the traveling public will be used to it's fullest. Xiao states "I hope by the time I graduated from the school I can work in one of the biggest hotel in the world."


I look forward to our time together on Sunday. You will be the last student assisting me at the Festival!

Amen & Hallelujah Getting Ready for Paula’s Down Home Cookin’ Sunday Gospel Brunch

I can't imagine a better way to start the last day of the festival than with Paula’s Down Home Cookin’ Sunday Gospel Brunch hosted by Paula Deen Presented by Smithfield

Along with Paula, we will have the pleasure of such talented chefs as Iron Chef Cat Cora, Chefs Alex Guarnaschelli (watch my video cooking Chef Alex's Eggplant Parm!), Elizabeth Karmel,Joseph Len, Myron Mixon and Tim Love.
With the sweet sounds of Gospel music to entertain us, we will feast on Southern favorites that include  "grits (with a twist), fried green tomatoes, homemade pork sausage, spiked iced tea and stiff Bloody Mary’s, plus plenty more"!

And you know Paula and family will keep us in stitches (hope Paula keeps her pants up!, LOL)! I cannot wait to go to this culinary "prayer meeting"!

Lillian Poletti

The FIU student who will be assisting me during the brunch: 

Lillian Poletti Comes from an international family, anything and everything diverse always catches her attention. Lillian shared with me her love for learning about different cultures and viewpoints. Growing up and living in south Florida has given Lillian the great opportunity to see the diversity of the world in her own backyard. Lillian is a senior at F.I.U. with an interest in pursuing international tourism. 

"The prospect of creating happy experiences on a global scale is what I dream of doing in the future. I'm very excited to work with you, Bianca, at this year's festival. I truly admire your viewpoint on life, of not letting your circumstances dictate what your life will be like. Every moment is a moment to grow and learn." 

Lillian your words touched me deeply and it is exactly the reason why I wanted to do this project!

One Week Before "Let Them Eat Cake" @ SOBE Wine & Food Festival 2011

Sobe’s 10th Year Anniversary Party “Let Them Eat Cake” hosted by Emeril Lagasse and Martha Stewart sponsored by Ocean Drive Magazine takes place just one week from today. This event is going to be GREAT! Tantalizingly lucious desserts brought to the participants by  the likes of Mr. Chocolate himself, Chef Jaques Torres, Food Network's Duff Goldman and many others! All will present their own 10th Anniversary treats. The venue, South Beach's newest PARKING GARAGE, was designed by  the same architects as London's Tate Modern Museum. I can't wait!

Meet the lovely FIU student who will be assisting me during "Let Them Eat Cake":

Monika Fuentes

Monika Fuentes says that she might not be the best cook in her class but she surely has the biggest appetite. Monika is a Senior in the Hospitality and Tourism program of FIU and has a loving and caring family that supports her. She has this insatiable hunger for life that pushes her to go out of her usual comfort zone. "Life is about experiencing and doing as much as you can, and I plan to do just that." 

When Monika and I spoke for the first time we were blown away by how much we had in common! You see it just so happens that Monika's Mother is from the same Province in Cuba, Matanzas, as I am! She states "I know I have mentioned this before but I'll say it again, I am very honored in having the pleasure to assist you in this event Bianca. After our phone conversation I was amazed that a woman miles and miles away which I've never met before, could have so much in common with me. That's the beauty of hospitality, it gives people like you and me a chance to create bonds they wouldn't have made otherwise. Thank you again for the opportunity to do something different!"

One Week Before The Burger Bash @ SOBE Wine & Food Festival 2011

There are no words to describe how excited I am that the Amstel Light Burger Bash presented by Allen Brothers hosted by Rachael Ray is only one week away. This will be the first function I will be attending during the weekend!  


Let me tell you this is not just your little run-of-the-mill burger contest!  This is serious business or as Bobby Flay would say a "Throwdown". Some of the very competitive and talented chefs that will be "showing us what they got" are last year's winner, Iron Chef Michael Symon, Iron Chef Bobby Flay, Top Chef cheftestants Spike Mendelsohn and Howie Kleinberg as well as acclaimed Chefs Jacques Torres and Geoffrey Zakarian to name a few. (List follows)


As I blogged earlier I will be assisted by 6 great FIU students throughout the festival. They will be helping me get around with my walker, filming the festival and HAVING FUN! I will be introducing them to you as we talk about the events!

Laura Torres

The young woman that will be assisting me during the "Bash"  is FIU student Laura Torres. Laura is the perfect example of what the ideal candidate would be for a career in Hospitality and Tourism. Laura is excited about life, loves her family and wants to be of service to her clients.  An enthusiastic young woman who shared with me that when given the chance to assist me during the SOBEWFF she "raised my hand and started waving it like I used to in elementary school when I was sure I knew the answer haha" and "I just wanted to tell you how exited I am to work with you. "


Well Laura let me tell you I am equally excited to share the "Bash Adventure" with you!

Bianca the Foodie Gets Ready to Attend the 2011 South Beach Wine & Food Festival

The South Beach Wine and Food Festival 2011 is fast approaching and I'm in the process of making the final arrangements in order to have a great time! This is one of my favorite events and it is, every year, my gift to myself.  I am fortunate enough to have air miles as well as Marriott rewards points so that I don't have to pay for either my lodging or my flight.

As far as the tickets to the events, although pricey, they benefit in part Florida International University School of Hospitality & Tourism. As the festivals website states  “To date, the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival has raised over $10 million in support of the educational programs at Florida International University’s School of Hospitality and Tourism Management. A significant amount of the funds raised from the Festival is allocated to a construction project fund for the expansion of FIU’s School of Hospitality and Tourism Management’s existing dining room into a full service Teaching Restaurant.”

This year will be the first time that I will be on my own.  It also will be the first time I will be traveling alone since my Parkinson's diagnosis. My greatest concern was how do I maneuver alone through these events on my own, with a walker. Since my goal is to show how Parkinson’s diagnosis should not preclude me from attending events such as SOBEWFF, I knew there had to be an answer.

After thinking and praying (wishing and hoping - yes I remember Dusty Springfield!) I decided to see if I could make arrangements to have assistance from the student volunteers.

Stay tuned as I share with you this coming week the marvelous miracle of how I was able to line up some incredible FIU student volunteers and how they will assist me  chronicling this event. I hope to inspire other PD patients to "Live Life" and think "outside the box" when planing vacations!

Bianca the Foodie Cooks Vegan - Breakfast

I am starting on a week long Vegan diet. (Yes, I watched Oprah!). The most important thing that I must remember is to include both good fats and Protein in all my meals. (Thanks Dr's. Hyman & Amen!)

What is interesting is that we think the only way to get our Protein is to consume animal products. In reality plant based products can also be rich in Protein.

For breakfast I am making Steel Cut Irish Oatmeal (My fave is McCann's Nutritional Facts below) w/fruits and nuts.

Although you can purchase quick cooking (microwave packets) McCann's I prefer the old fashioned ones. I cook the oatmeal in my rice cooker. Some rice cookers have a setting for porridge, mine does not so I cook it on the regular setting.  The recipe that follows makes enough for an entire week! I store it in the fridge and warm up enough for each breakfast as I need it! So I get the convenience of a quick breakfast with the taste of the traditionally cooked oatmeal.