Bridges of Paris Book Review and Tour


Disclosure: I received the book for review purposes.  All opinions are my own. May include affiliate links. 

iRead Book Tour Logo Medium

This is apart of the iRead Book Tour.  Follow the other tour hosts here. And also enter for your chance to win the book yourself.

Bridges-of-Paris

As a photo lover, but also a lover of Bridges, when I first heard of “Bridges of Paris,”I couldn’t wait to read through this book and dive right in.  But, at first glimpse, it’s the pictures that absolutely captivate you.

And who knew there were so many bridges ALL around Paris.  The more I read through, the more pictures I saw of bridges across Paris, a city I’ve been in love with since my sophomore year of high school.

But what truly fascinated me the most about this book was how much information was shared about the bridges, and the history that came with them.  The author, Michael Saint James, shared a ton of information.

If you’re looking for a great coffee table book for conversations or for people to page through, I highly recommend, “Bridges of Paris.”  I also recommend this as a gift for anyone who loves photography, the city of Paris, or Bridges.  It really hits all types of people.

About the Book: Bridges of Paris is a large-format coffee-table book, with over 350 original color photographs, which casts new illumination on the City of Light. The 37 bridges over the Seine River emerge as beautiful, historic destinations rather than unnoticed thoroughfares. The book features stunning portraits of each bridge as well as intimate riverside moments. Once you’ve experienced this river tour, you will never see Paris the same way again.

Living as a Parisian for a year, author Michael Saint James left his American lifestyle and spent his days and nights capturing images from over, on, beside and under the bridges of Paris. With over 30 years experience as a photographer, educator and world traveler, Michael immersed himself in French culture to search out his authentic artist self. The result is a visual treasure to share with everyone.

This book has truly given me an entirely new perspective on bridges, but also has encouraged me to get out and begin capturing them myself.  Bridges are a favorite item of mine to also photograph, and seeing that Michael Saint James, has created a beautiful book out of it has inspired me in an entirely new way.

Get it on Amazon: Bridges of Paris

 

Categories: Book Reviews, Photography | Tags: , , , , , , | 3 Comments

5 Reasons to Head to Pebble Beach Food and Wine in 2016!


Disclosure: I attended the 2015 Pebble Beach Food and Wine as Media. This is my story and all opinions are my own.

You know a festival is a GREAT one when a week later you’re still thinking about all the good food you ate along with all the wines available in one room.  The Pebble Beach Food and Wine Festival was one of my favorites, and I’ve attended a ton of wine festivals.

5 Reasons You Should Plan on Attending Next Year:

1) Meet Your Celebrity Chef Crush

Roy-Yamaguchi

Roy Yamaguchi Manning his Booth at the Lexus Grand Tasting

 

Every year, top chefs from across the Country come to the Pebble Beach Food and Wine Festival, and they are the ones preparing the food behind the Lexus Grand Tasting.  As you grab their delicious bites, they may just be the one handing it over to you.  This is YOUR CHANCE to get an up close, personal encounter with some of your favorites.

Top favorites this year included: Curtis Stone, Fabio Faviani, Laura Werlin, Lincoln Carson, Chef Morimoto, Roy Yamaguchi, and many many others.

2) The Location

Lone-Cypress-Tree

Lone Cypress Tree off 17 Mile Drive in Pebble Beach

The fact that this event takes place off of Pebble Beach, one of the prettiest Ocean views off the coast of California is perfect in itself, but then you add in the adorable coastal towns that surround it: Carmel By the Sea, Monterey, and Pacific Grove, making it for a fun getaway while attending this Food and Wine Festival.

3) Take in a Wine Seminar

If you’re a die-hard wine person, taking in one of the Wine Seminars that are offered at the Food and Wine Festival means enjoying what you love while learning a bit from some Wine regions, Sommeliers and more during the festivities.

And You don’t just have to stop at one! Take Seminars throughout the entire weekend of the festival.

4) Get Inspired By the Food You Eat

Sometimes we take advantage of our food, and sometimes we completely walk away inspired.  A Fois Gras donut by Chef Cy Yountz still has me amazed.  But then, a simple Chocolate Ice Sundae by Ghiradelli is something I could just as easily create at home.

Meatball

Meatball by Chef Richard Reddington

As these little bites are served along the Lexus Grand Tasting, for those of us that enjoying cooking a thing or two at home, we get a few ideas.

5) Have Fun

With all the wine you can drink at the Lexus Grand Tasting, and amazing food being handed out, there’s just no way to not have fun while here, and even more fun when you have a group of people to enjoy it with.  It’s worth taking time off for, and indulging a bit.

Shrimp-Dumpling

Shrimp Dumpling via Manhattan Beach Post

Hope to see you all next year the 2016 Pebble Beach Food and Wine: March 31-April 3

But for those who can’t wait that long the Los Angeles Food and Wine Festival takes place August 27-30.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Categories: Bay Area, Central California, Travel, Wine | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Pebble Beach Food and Wine Through Pictures


Disclosure:  I covered the Pebble Beach Food and Wine Festival as Media.  These are my photos.  More detailed story coming soon.

Last weekend, one of the best Food and Wine Festivals took place off one of the most beautiful views in California, right in Pebble Beach, CA.  As the Ocean washes up against the Pebble Beach Golf Courses, Wine Seminars, Top Chefs, and 100s of Wineries come together for a weekend of FUN, Laughs, Food and Wine.  A not to miss event every year.  This year marks their 8th Season and it continues to get better and better year after year.

A few of the Photos from the Lexus Grand Tasting on Both Saturday and Sunday:

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Eclairs

Fois-Gras-Donut

Meatball

Braised-Pork-Ribs

Roys

Liver-Parfait

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Just some of the views:

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Lone-Cypress-Tree

 

Ohhh so good. No wonder why I was in such a food coma a few days after! More information about the Chefs, The Food, and more coming soon!

 


Categories: Central California, Travel, Wine | 1 Comment