THE WAY TO YOUR LOVE’S HEART…MAX’S RESTAURANT AND CUCINA

Dear Friends,

On behalf of the entire staff at Max’s Restaurant and Cucina, we would like to wish you a Happy Valentine’s Day! What better way to celebrate this momentous day with your sweetheart than a carefully crafted and lovingly served meal at Max’s? We admit we may be biased, but our thirty years in the Santa Barbara community, and the pages of positive press we have received, support our claim. We think you will agree that Max’s is the perfect choice for a romantic dinner on Valentine’s Day.

Let’s start with our menu. Max’s actually has several  menus, showing you the variety of food and dining experiences we can offer. We serve breakfast and brunch seven days a week, from 7 AM until 3 PM.

Max’s breakfast menu, especially our omelets, made us famous. But at night, every Tuesday through Saturday, Max’s transforms itself into a destination dinner spot, offering fine Italian dining at reasonable prices. Chef’s appetizers include bresaola, made of thinly sliced Italian lean beef cured in red wine and herbs. Our prosciutto e melone, or ham and melon, includes thinly sliced Parma ham, and is served with cantaloupe or honeydew melon. We also have caprese, calamari, and fritti or fried calamari on the appetizer menu.

Our salads are made on premises with fresh ingredients. All salads can be served with chicken, salmon, or grilled New York steak as an add-on.

The main courses round out the dinner menu at Max’s. They include a full pasta menu, a selection of fish dishes, homemade pastas, and meat/chicken dishes, with a full range of burgers and pizza with a strong Italian flair. Try our local favorite, the State Street Deluxe burger, and you will never want to go back to ordinary burgers. The State Street is a beef burger with arugula, caramelized onions, tomato, white wine sauce, and bacon on a toasted bun. Delicioso!

From top wines to Italian dishes, breakfast favorites and special events, here are five reasons to visit Max’s Cucina and Restaurant this year.

1. Reputation – Max’s Restaurant and Cucina has been serving customers in Santa Barbara for over 30 years. We’ve earned a great reputation for our service, delicious breakfast dishes, fine wines and authentic Italian evening menu.
2. No corkage Wednesdays – between 5pm and 9pm every Wednesday we waive the $15 bottle fee with every entrée purchase.
3. Varied menu – Max’s has a varied menu packed with freshly-prepared breakfast, lunch and dinner dishes. Customers love our special breakfast hashes and pancake stacks, as well as our Italian meat, pasta and pizza evening dishes.
4. Wine selection – we serve a full range of locally-produced and imported wines as well as champagnes, which you can order by the class or bottle. We also have a limited edition collection of specially-priced Cellar Selection Reds. Take a look at our full wine list here.
5. Special events – Max’s often hosts exciting events for our customers to enjoy. Last year we enjoyed comedy nights with top acts like Carol Metcalf and Paul Clay, as well as an Oktoberfest evening with a German-themed menu and a New Year’s Eve party. Stay tuned for more events at Max’s in 2017.

You can stay informed of our latest events by reading our blog. The blog also includes articles of interest and significance, as well as the occasional digital coupon.

For more digital coupons, be sure to join our mailing list, which you can do from the bottom of any page on the website. Simply provide us with an email address, and we will send you special discounts and coupons. You also receive a free pasta dish when you sign up for emails.

Max’s is located at 3514 State Street in Santa Barbara, between the Las Positas and La Cumbre freeway exits. To make reservations, call us at 805-898-9121 or make a reservation online. For more positive recommendations, find us on Yelp and read our reviews. Also, be sure to like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and subscribe to our Youtube channel.

About Max’s Restaurant & Cucina: Max’s Restaurant is located at 3514 State Street, Santa Barbara, in the Upper State St. area. The Santa Barbara family restaurant serves breakfast and lunch Monday through Sunday from 7:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Fine Italian cuisine and home-made Italian pasta are served Wednesday through Saturday evenings, from 5:00 until 9:00 p.m. Visit the website at http://www.maxsrestaurantsb.com for complete menu selections. “Like” the Facebook page for news on upcoming dinner specials. Call 805-898-9121 to make reservations.

Hop Over To The Eagle Inn For Easter Vacation

Happy Easter From The Eagle Inn

It’s time to hop on over to The Eagle Inn for a wonderful Easter vacation! Our beachside hotel will make your spring and Easter celebrations special with some of the best hotel rooms in Santa Barbara. Located in the popular West Beach neighborhood, the Eagle Inn is a comfortable boutique bed and breakfast hotel by the water.

To get you excited about a trip to our cozy Santa Barbara inn, we’ve included a list of some Easter activities to enjoy. Plus, we’ll also give you a special deal on stand up paddle lessons – something the whole family will love! If you’re just making Easter plans now, check our last minute Santa Barbara hotel deals – you’ll find discounts of 10% or 15% off our most popular room options.

Top Easter Activities in Santa Barbara

Here are activities you and your family can enjoy in Santa Barbara this Easter:

1. The Great Egg Hunt: Saturday, April 15 from 10:00a.m.-12:00noon at Elings Park. The softball fields will be transformed into a colorful sea of 15,000 candy filled eggs. There will also be activities including a bounce house, face painting, music and complimentary Starbucks coffee.
2. EGGstravaganza Egg Hunt: Saturday, April 15 at 10:00 a.m. The City of Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation Department presents a fun search for candy and prize-filled eggs in the park. EGGstravaganza will take place in two park locations: Chase Palm Park and Bohnett Park. Attendance is free, open to children up to and including age eight.
3. Vineyard Easter Egg Hunt: Saturday, April 15 from 11:00am-4:00pm at Riverbench Vineyard & Winery. Over 2,000 eggs are hidden in the garden surrounding this vineyard tasting room. Eggs are filled with candy for the kids and some special prizes for their parents. Secure your tickets early.
4. Santa Barbara’s Easter Service: At the Courthouse Sunken Gardens, Sunday, April 16 at 9:00a.m. Service features live music, children’s area, refreshments, and a message of hope. Guest speaker is best-selling author, Nick Vujicic.
5. Celebrate Easter with Bubbles: Sunday, April 16 from 12:00noon-7:00 p.m. at Santa Barbara Wine Collective. Celebrate Easter with a flight ‘Fesstivity’ of sparkling wines including Fess Parker’s Blanc de Blancs, Brut Cuvée, and Blanc de Noirs.
6. Chef Weston Presents Easter Brunch: Sunday, April 16 from 11:00a.m.-3:00p.m. at Les Marchands Wine Bar & Merchant. “Spring renewal” is the theme of this brunch menu featuring local ingredients and hand-crafted breads.
7. Celebrate Easter at The Lark: Sunday, April 16 from 5-10 p.m. Executive Chef Jason Paluska presents spring market specials, in addition to The Lark’s dinner menu.
8. Easter Champagne Brunch: Sunday, April 16 from 10am-3pm at The Fess Parker: A Doubletree by Hilton Resort. This culinary celebration features serving stations including made-to-order omelets, a carving station, local seafood, pasta, salads, and decadent desserts.

Take advantage of our special deal for stand up paddle lessons – just $89! The group launches from the beach, paddling past boats, through the historic wharf, under the pier, out to buoys, and along the beach, seeking wildlife and fun.

Of course there are many year-round activities in Santa Barbara you won’t want to miss. Download our complimentary Santa Barbara Vacation Guide, “101 Free Things to Do in Santa Barbara,” for some not-to-miss Santa Barbara fun. Visit our website at http://TheEagleInn.com or call 805-965-3586 today to make Easter hotel reservations.

Happy Easter from The Eagle Inn!

Your Beachside Hotel in Santa Barbara

Want a great gift idea?  Show your appreciation for a friend or co-worker with an Eagle Inn Gift Card. Click here to order a gift certificate using our online system, or to do it by phone, call us at (805) 965-3586 and place your order.

EASTER MENU AT CODY’S CAFE RESTAURANT IN GOLETA

Santa Barbara locals know Cody’s Cafe is a great place to bring the family for an Easter meal.

The Easter Bunny may only come on Sunday, but Cody’s Cafe Easter specials are available Friday April 14th through Sunday April 16th. Enjoy mixed berry french toast for just $9.45 – served until 2pm and a delicious lamb shank for $17.95 – available after 5pm.

Here is just a glimpse of what you can expect this Easter at Cody’s, as well as year-round:

• BREAKFAST: Cody’s serves Breakfast every day from 6am-2pm. While you will still find cafe staples such as scrambled eggs, french toast or pancakes, Cody’s also offers many other mouth watering breakfast dishes. Try the breakfast enchiladas or the country fried steak and you’ll instantly see why they are local favorites. Easter Brunch is one of our most popular brunch days of the year, reservations are recommended. 
• LUNCH:  Order from our lunch menu at Cody’s until 5pm. Cody’s is known for hearty burgers and sandwiches. Don’t forget to ask about the homemade soups! If you ate too much Easter chocolate this year, Cody’s has 10 different salads to choose from and some lighter sandwich options.
• DINNER:  Bring the whole family Easter Dinner at Cody’s Cafe from 5pm-10pm. Your choice of dinner entrees is varied and extensive. Cody’s has everything from top sirloin to pasta to Mexican fare. All entrées are accompanied by either soup or salad. If your taste buds are feeling adventurous this Easter, try one of Cody’s signature entrées like BBQ beef short ribs or homemade pot roast.

 

 

Top Easter Activities in Santa Barbara

Here are activities you and your family can enjoy in Santa Barbara this Easter:

1. The Great Egg Hunt: Saturday, April 15 from 10:00a.m.-12:00noon at Elings Park. The softball fields will be transformed into a colorful sea of 15,000 candy filled eggs. There will also be activities including a bounce house, face painting, music and complimentary Starbucks coffee.
2. EGGstravaganza Egg Hunt: Saturday, April 15 at 10:00 a.m. The City of Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation Department presents a fun search for candy and prize-filled eggs in the park. EGGstravaganza will take place in two park locations: Chase Palm Park and Bohnett Park. Attendance is free, open to children up to and including age eight.
3. Vineyard Easter Egg Hunt: Saturday, April 15 from 11:00am-4:00pm at Riverbench Vineyard & Winery. Over 2,000 eggs are hidden in the garden surrounding this vineyard tasting room. Eggs are filled with candy for the kids and some special prizes for their parents. Secure your tickets early.
4. Santa Barbara’s Easter Service: At the Courthouse Sunken Gardens, Sunday, April 16 at 9:00a.m. Service features live music, children’s area, refreshments, and a message of hope. Guest speaker is best-selling author, Nick Vujicic.
5. Celebrate Easter with Bubbles: Sunday, April 16 from 12:00noon-7:00 p.m. at Santa Barbara Wine Collective. Celebrate Easter with a flight ‘Fesstivity’ of sparkling wines including Fess Parker’s Blanc de Blancs, Brut Cuvée, and Blanc de Noirs.
6. Chef Weston Presents Easter Brunch: Sunday, April 16 from 11:00a.m.-3:00p.m. at Les Marchands Wine Bar & Merchant. “Spring renewal” is the theme of this brunch menu featuring local ingredients and hand-crafted breads.
7. Celebrate Easter at The Lark: Sunday, April 16 from 5-10 p.m. Executive Chef Jason Paluska presents spring market specials, in addition to The Lark’s dinner menu.
8. Easter Champagne Brunch: Sunday, April 16 from 10am-3pm at The Fess Parker: A Doubletree by Hilton Resort. This culinary celebration features serving stations including made-to-order omelets, a carving station, local seafood, pasta, salads, and decadent desserts.

Don’t forget to check out Cody’s superb wine list.  Try a local wine like Cody’s Chardonnay Private Label.

About Cody’s Cafe: Cody’s Cafe has proudly welcomed the Santa Barbara community since 1995. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served daily at reasonable prices. Customers love our warm atmosphere and cozy setting so much that many local groups use our event room for their regular meetings.  Our event room is also the perfect location for birthday parties or any other occasion you had in mind. Call 805-683-5141 for more information and to book your event. You can also visit our website to read comments from our satisfied customers who rave about Cody’s Cafe. For the latest news and information “like” us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram.

GIFT IDEAS FROM PASCALE’S KITCHEN

The holiday season is right upon us and it’s a great time to be creative in the kitchen. This time of year always brings with it great food and good friends. Whether you are reviving a favorite family recipe  (here’s one of mine), sharing an ethnic specialty, or basking in the joy of winter produce, food always adds to the holiday celebrations. It’s also a time for exchanging gifts, and I have some great last minute holiday gift ideas for all the foodies on your list, or maybe as gifts that Father Christmas can bring for you!

• Les Fruits: Savory and Sweet Recipes from the Market Table: My latest book is all about fruit: 240 mouth-watering pages filled to the brim with new recipes that show cooking with fruit in a new light; from a multitude of delicious salads such as Apple, Fennel and Watermelon Radish or Citrus Salad with Avocado Vinaigrette, to main courses featuring succulent dishes such as a Roasted Duck with Apples, Parsnips and Leeks or Citrus Salmon, to a myriad of desserts such as an Eton Mess, a Pear and Pomegranate Pavlova or perhaps an Apple and Pear Strudel; all of these dishes celebrate fruit in all its guises.

• Gift Sets: Food just tastes better when prepared and presented in appealing ways. We have a variety of salad bowls, salt sets, olive oil sets and more, all combined in thoughtful packages that will delight any serious cook.

• Cook Books: All of my cookbooks make tantalizing additions to any cook’s library. Choose one of the Menu for All Seasons books or get the boxed set of four for only $99.95.

• Bags: Shop my collection of attractive and eco-friendly market linen and jute bags.

• Herbs and Spices: Enjoy a tasty addition to any spice collection. Seamless combinations of herbs and spices to season fish, vegetables and more. If you can’t choose just one, then try the set of nine blended herbs and spices to find your favorite. The set of nine is also available wrapped in a charming tea towel.

 

There is so much more on the Pascale’s Kitchen website that you are going to love—salts and peppercorns, olive oils and vinegars, teas and jams, wooden and ceramic items, salt cellars, linens, and thoughtfully coordinated gift sets.

 

Happy Holidays and Bon Appètit!

 

 

About Pascale’s Kitchen: Pascale’s Kitchen is Santa Barbara’s unique culinary online boutique offering cooking tips and pantry items, including everything from entertaining and informative cooking classes which showcase the fragrant seasonal produce of local farmer’s markets, to an enticing line of Mediterranean cookbooks. Creative items for your kitchen or holiday gift-giving ideas include olive oils, balsamic vinegars, unique gifts and more. Visit the website at http://www.pascaleskitchen.com to subscribe to Pascale’s weekly YouTube video channel. “Like” the Facebook page to receive seasonal cooking ideas. Call 805-965-5112 to learn more about the essence of cooking ala California, the Mediterranean and beyond.

PLAN YOUR NEXT HOLIDAY GATHERING AT CODY’S CAFE

PLAN YOUR NEXT HOLIDAY GATHERING AT CODY’S CAFE, A BREAKFAST RESTAURANT, FAMILY DINNER RESTAURANT AND LOCAL SPORTS BAR ALL IN ONE.

Cody’s Cafe in Santa Barbara is the perfect location to hold all of your holiday gatherings. Whether it’s a holiday breakfast, lunch or dinner, Cody’s menu has something for every palate. That’s why it’s often referred to as “the locals’ favorite”. Here is just a sampling of what Cody’s has to offer this holiday season and year-round:

BREAKFAST AT CODY’S CAFE: Breakfast at Cody’s is served daily from 6am-2pm. This menu is anything but typical cafe fare. You can certainly enjoy the classics like bacon and eggs and French toast. But, you can tantalize your taste buds with unique treats like Cody’s chile verde omelet or crab cakes cafe benedict.

LUNCH AT CODY’S CAFE: You can take advantage of the lunch menu at Cody’s daily until 5p.m. Many business patrons choose Cody’s as a lunch location because it’s the perfect spot for a casual, yet quality and affordable meal. Mouth-watering burgers as well as cafe favorites like pot roast and fish and chips are just a couple of the items on the menu. If you’re looking for more of a lighter fare then you can choose from the extensive variety of salads and soups.

DINNER AT CODY’S CAFE : Dinner at Cody’s is served from 5pm-10pm. One of the benefits of choosing Cody’s for dinner is that while there is a wide selection of hearty meals, some lighter lunch menu items are still available if you have a smaller appetite. Choice top sirloin, salmon, and chicken marsala are just a few of the entrees you’ll find. All entrées come with your choice of soup or salad. If you’re looking for something distinctive to the Cody’s menu then you need to try one of Cody’s signature entrées. This includes dishes like liver and onions and country fried steak.

After dinner, don’t forget dessert! Why not treat yourself to homemade flan or homemade double-chocolate cake? Perhaps you’ll even want to bring home a slice for Santa!

If you’re coming to toast the holidays at Cody’s, you’ll want to look at our drinks and wine list. Here you’ll find a variety of spirits to fill your glass for that holiday toast. You can always join us for happy hour Monday thru Friday from 4-7p.m. and on Sundays from 2p.m.-close.

Besides daily meals, come to Cody’s Cafe if you’re looking for a premier location to hold your corporate event or meeting. Our event room can accommodate as many as 60 guests. Several local organizations, such as the Lions and Elks Clubs use our private event room as their regular meeting place. You can always access a complete directory of group meetings and dates on our website.

This holiday season let Cody’s Cafe host your holiday breakfast, lunch, dinner, or private party.

Happy Holidays from the staff at Cody’s Cafe!

p.s. don’t forget to join Cody’s Cafe VIP TEXT CLUB to receive special offers and discounts. Text CODYS to 51660 and receive a free beverage!

Q: Do you have happy hour specials?
A: Yes! Join us Monday-Friday from 4-7 for happy hour and Sunday from 2p.m. close to check our daily specials.

Q: What types of special events can your event room accommodate?
A: You name it and we can do it. Our event room can serve as the location for birthdays, anniversaries, corporate parties, or any other event you had in mind. Contact us at 805-683-5141.

Q: Are there light dinner options available?
A: Of course! Try one of our salads if you are looking for a lighter dinner option. You can also add chicken, shrimp, and grilled salmon to any of our salads.

 

Upcoming Holiday Events in the Santa Barbara Area

December 23, 2016 Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical
The beloved TV classic Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer soars off the screen and onto the stage this holiday season. Come see all of your favorite characters at the Dolby Theatre.

December 29, 2016 Mannheim Steamroller Christmas: For a quarter of a century, Mannheim Steamroller has been entertaining audiences for the holiday season. This year The Granada Theatre hosts this Grammy-award winning sensation. Ticket prices range from $34-$93.

December 31, 2016: New Year’s Eve Brazilian Carnival Party: Inspired by the most iconic carnival celebration in the world, Bacara is pleased to present our take on Brazilian carnival. This festive evening includes samba dancers, a DJ, Chef action stations, party favors, a cash bar and a champagne toast. Tickets are $150 per person (includes dinner).

 

 

About Cody’s Cafe: Cody’s Cafe is a local favorite family dinner restaurant that offers a welcoming Goleta dining experience. Their extensive menu of American comfort food has something for everyone and offers daily and seasonal specials. They have a full selection of breakfast, lunch and dinner options that you can enjoy in their main dining room, bar, event room or dog-friendly patio. On the weekends, they offer a signature Bloody Mary brunch making Cody’s one of the most popular breakfast restaurants in Santa Barbara. If you’re looking for local sports bars or private party venues or just an after-work happy hour in Goleta, Cody’s Cafe has you covered. Enjoy the high definition tv’s, local brews and signature drinks. The private event room seats up to 45 people which is perfect for family celebrations or corporate meetings. Visit one of the best restaurants and bars in Goleta, Cody’s Cafe at 4898 Hollister Ave., Santa Barbara, CA 93111. Call 805-683-5141 for reservations, visit http://CodysCafeSB.com. For the latest specials “like” us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram.

 

Top 5 Reasons To Attend Santa Ynez Valley Restaurant Week

Top 5 Reasons To Attend Santa Ynez Valley Restaurant Week

Restaurant Week is almost here! Of course, everyone at Visit Santa Ynez Valley thinks the restaurants in Santa Ynez Valley are great all year round, but they really do go all-out to make January our favorite time of year. That’s when visitors and locals alike get to taste some great California cuisine at an unbelievably prices. The 7th Annual Santa Ynez Valley Restaurant Week kicks off on January 22 and ends on January 28, giving you a full week of extraordinary dining.

Restaurants throughout the Santa Ynez Valley will present 3-course tasting menus for just $20.17 (excluding tax, tip and beverages). Get the family and friends together, invite guests from out-of-town, or plan an intimate evening for two without the kids. Here are the top five reasons everyone will want to attend the 2017 Santa Ynez Valley Restaurant Week:

The Amazing Price: You read that right – the amazingly low price of just $20.17 for 3 courses is practically unheard of! And our world class restaurants do not sacrifice quality to meet this price point. They really want you to come in, get to know them, and sample their cuisine. They’re putting their best foot forward to introduce you to the many unique and creative dining options we have available in Santa Ynez Valley.

The Wineries: It’s not just our restaurants that have all the fun. Many of our tasting rooms like to participate by offering special wine and small bite pairings for $20.17. They want you to have the opportunity to get to know more about the terrific wines that are produced in the Santa Ynez Valley. Participating tasting rooms include Alma Rosa Winery and Vineyards, Brander Vineyard, Helix Tasting Room, Kaena Wines, Kalyra Winery, Loring Wine, and Wandering Dog Wine Bar.

Hotel Specials: Everyone gets on board with Restaurant Week because we really want to show off our great communities. Book a stay for yourself or your out-of-town guests during Restaurant Week, and ask about their special offers. Many of the amazing hotels in the Santa Ynez Valley offer restaurant week specials, including ForFriends Inn Bed & Breakfast, King Frederik Inn, Pea Soup Andersen’s Inn, and Solvang Inn & Cottages.

Reconnect With Friends: When was the last time you were really able to talk with your friends? You’ve all gotten busy with life, but what better way is there to reconnect than over a wonderful meal? Grab a friend and make Restaurant Week your time to bond over new and exciting flavors.

New Flavors: Are you in a food rut? It can be disconcerting to try new flavors or taste sensations. But Restaurant Week gives you the opportunity to get out of your comfort zone while you expand your horizons and your palate. The restaurants in Santa Ynez Valley love to pull out all the stops and showcase their menus to new audiences during this special week. At a bargain price, you can certainly afford to try places you wouldn’t normally venture. Who knows? You might just find a new “favorite” spot!

Our charming towns of Ballard, Buellton, Los Alamos, Los Olivos, Santa Ynez and Solvang have some amazing restaurants, and we are sure you and your loved ones can’t possibly have tried them all yet. In the Santa Ynez Valley you can find everything from down-home American and authentic Danish to sushi and modern Italian-American cuisine.

You’ll find restaurants spotlighting local ingredients, romantic hideaways, family-friendly pancake houses, brew pubs, oodles of al fresco dining options, wine from the valley’s award-winning vineyards and even locally-brewed beers. With over 25 restaurants participating in Restaurant Week this year, you’re sure to find incredible flavors all week long.

Note that participating hours may vary from restaurant to restaurant, so it’s always a good idea to check our website. Head over to www.DineSYV.com to see participating restaurants and menus, and be sure to stay tuned, and follow us to learn more on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for special sneak previews!

For more ideas on creating a weekend getaway in Santa Ynez or finding romantic Valentine’s Day activities, stop by our website at VisitSYV.com to review our complete listing of things to do in Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Ynez hotels, and Santa Ynez Valley restaurants you can enjoy year-round. We are thrilled to share the awesome cuisine of the Santa Ynez Valley with those who know us best and those who are new to our area.

Happy Restaurant Week from Visit Santa Ynez Valley!

P.S. If you think our food in the Santa Ynez Valley is great, wait until you try our wine! In February we will be celebrating the 12th anniversary of “A Wine Fantasy In February,” from 2/17 through 2/20. Sponsored by the Santa Ynez Valley Wine Country Association, this is their most popular event of the year. On your self-guided tour, you’ll visit many small, family owned winery tasting rooms throughout the Santa Ynez Valley. It’s the one time of the year where you’ll get to taste reserve and estate wines, meet many of the winemakers and winery owners, and enjoy delicious cuisine along the way.

Benefits of Drinking Coffee in the Evening

Do you love drinking coffee? If you do, you are going to love it more when you learn about what it can do for you and your health. It’s no secret that a nice cup of coffee can instantly perk you up in the morning and put you in the right mood the whole day. But did you know that it can also have great benefits to your health?

Studies show that drinking coffee can lower the risk of certain diseases like diabetes, cirrhosis, and certain kinds of cancers. This is made possible by the compounds present in the coffee, the most known to help among which are antioxidants. Antioxidants also help in making your skin glow, and in consuming the right amount of coffee every day, you’ll look and feel healthier inside and outside.

Of course, apart from how it benefits you physically, the mere aroma of coffee can do wonders for you already. The smell of coffee in the morning is sometimes enough for me to wake me up and energize me, let alone drinking my favorite brewed coffee.

The aroma of the coffee has also been found by studies to calm people, so if you’ve been in a daze lately, smelling your cup of coffee before drinking it can relax you already.

It’s important to note however that there is a recommended amount of coffee to be consumed in a day. One to two cups of your favorite black coffee is enough to get you through the day, but be careful in adding too much sugar or milk to go easy on the calories. And while coffee can do a lot for you, too much of it cal have bad effects to.

Too much coffee in a day can dehydrate you and increase your blood pressure. So even if you love coffee as much as everyone else, it’s always to take everything in moderation.

Those trying to diet and lose weight may actually be hindered in their progress by their coffee consumption. If you want to avoid long term weight gain you should avoid caffeine. You might think in the short term that you can lose more weight by drinking more coffee each day.

This happens as a result of the diuretic effect of coffee, you’ll initially lose water but not fat. Caffeine increases stress hormones within your body that increase the risk of hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar levels. You will likely feel hungry sooner than you should as a result of this hormone.

You also aren’t helping things by adding extra sugar to your coffee. In conclusion, research has shown that drinking some coffee may actually be good for your health. However, the same research also proves that drinking more than three cups of coffee per day may begin to increase the negative health risks that could arise.

Make sure you don’t attempt to drink more than this amount of coffee. Doing this lets you get the benefits of drinking coffee without the potentially harmful side effects of drinking too much coffee.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9201593

Hyperacidity, Its Symptoms, Causes and Home Remedies

Medically known as acid dyspepsia, Hyperacidity is one of the common ailments seen in people from cities and metros. Acid Dyspepsia is a combination of two words Acid and Dyspepsia which means disturbance in the digestion process due to acid. It is a medical condition in which there is an excess release of Hydrochloric (HCl) acid in the stomach. In the human body, the stomach muscles are covered with a regenerative lining which prevent the stomach muscles from coming in contact with these acids. But as the acid level increases in the stomach, this protective lining gets eroded faster, resulting in the contact of our stomach muscles with these digestive acids and hence causing a sensation of burning called hyperacidity.

Hyperacidity Symptoms:

• An increase of sourness and heat in the body.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Indigestion, which produces toxins in the body and Constipation.
• Thinning of the Mucous layer (Stomach Ulcer).
• Bacterial and Viral Infection. A bacterium called Helicobacter pylori is also responsible for Hyper acidity.

Hyperacidity Causes:

Depending upon the individual’s eating habits, lifestyle, body adaptation and medications, the causes may vary from individual to individual. Below are some mentioned causes for Hyperacidity:

Eating Habits:

a) Spicy, oily and fried foods cause the problem of acidity
b) A protein-rich meal like milk or milk products which are harder to digest
c) Citrus fruits, vinegar, and caffeinated drinks

Lifestyle Activities:

a) Irregular sleeping patterns
b) Over Eating
c) Stress, Anxiety and Hypertension
d) Pregnancy, fasting, Obesity, Aging

Medication:

a) Prolonged intake of medicines like antibiotic, oral contraceptives, antidepressants
b) Steroids and Painkillers
c) Thyroid and Blood Pressure Medications

Overcoming Hyperacidity:

Symptoms can easily give the gesture of Hyperacidity. Further, patients can go to their primary care doctor. The doctor can use the process of historical evaluation to determine the cause of hyperacidity. If it is at an initial stage, the doctor can advise antacids for temporary relief, H2 receptor blockers, and proton pump inhibitor. If it is at a critical stage, detailed endoscopy of the esophagus and stomach can also be advised by the doctor.

Self-Care Tips for Hyperacidity:

• Regulate your eating and sleeping habits
• Eat properlycooked, less oily food
• Avoid Overeating and eat at regular intervals
• Practice Yoga and Meditations to remove stress, anxiety from life
• Avoid Milk or milk products at night as they are hard to digest
• Reduce smoking and alcohol consumption

Home Remedies for Hyperacidity:

• Take a glass of cold milk after a meal
• Take a pinch of baking soda added in a glass of water. It can give immediate relief
• Bananas are full of potassium and can help reduce acidity symptoms if taken daily

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9133137

Parboiled Rice – Advantages & Disadvantages

Rice has one of the biggest consumption levels all across the world. It’s available in several varieties. One such variety is the Parboiled Rice which is amber in color. It has different properties than that of normal white rice because both go through different filtration processes. Parboiling is a common practice in many parts of Asia & Europe. It’s a 3-step process: Soaking, Steaming & Drying after which the rice is taken into mills for hulling. We get hulled parboiled rice once it gets out of the mills.

Change after Parboil

Rice goes through some major changes after the parboil process. Most of the changes regard to its nutritional levels and quality. As a result of the change, some people dislike it but most like it.

Some major changes are:

Milling – Milling becomes easier as the hull becomes easy to remove. However, bran removal becomes a more difficult task.

Starch Gelatinization – The starch present gelatinizes which makes the grain hard, translucent and tough. Breakage during milling decreases as total yields increase compared to white rice.

Texture & Taste – The whole process affects the coarseness of the grain. It becomes hard and at the same time smooth. This directly influences the taste. Some people find ultimate satisfaction in the taste while for some it’s not so heavenly.

Inactivation of Enzymes – The remaining enzymes inactivate during the process which halts fungus growth and biological processes.

Advantages of Parboiled Rice

There are great overall advantages of parboiling.

Due to hardening of the grain, insects find it more difficult to infect (bite).

Total yield after milling increases by 3-4% when compared to regular rice as the breakage reduces.

It’s rich in minerals as it contains 3% of calcium, potassium, zinc, iron and magnesium which if consumed on a daily basis is very beneficial for the body.

It loses less starch during cooking. Once cooked, it stands for long times and stays fluffy.

High blood sugar levels of body are well-managed because of sufficient carbohydrate presence.

Being rich in vitamin B & niacin, it helps in producing neurotransmitters and helps our body metabolize food into energy.

This rice is heaven for diabetics as it has low glycemic index meaning the food gets converted to sugar very slowly thereby keeping the sugar levels low.

Cooking quality differs from normal rice as it’s non-glutinous & non-sticky.

Some Disadvantages

It almost doubles the total processing cost as bran removal is more difficult which costs more.

Longer cooking times mean more usage of fuel.

It develops a darker color compared to raw rice.

It has more chances of developing rancidity because of the loss of natural antioxidants during parboiling.

Due to long soaking in traditional process, some mycotoxins may develop and cause health hazards.

The whole process of parboiling needs extra investment.

If you look at all the facts, advantages & disadvantages, this variant seems like a good option as far as healthiness remains a concern. It’s rich in minerals, carbohydrates, & Vitamins which is excellent for the body. Traditional processes do have some cons but that’s what you have to consider before buying it.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9361413

Valentine’s Dinner in Santa Barbara At Blush Restaurant

Love is in the air!

Dine with Blush this Valentines day and treat your date (or yourself) to a night of romance & love.   Reserve your seats for a specially designed 3 course meal, including  your choice of appetizer, entree, and dessert.  Couples dinner includes complimentary bottle of champagne & strawberries.  We have the best Valentine’s Dinner Menu in Santa Barbara.  Come to your favorite downtown restaurant on Valentine’s Day – Blush Restaurant & Lounge.

Call (805) 957-1300 and reserve your seats today.

 

 

About Blush Restaurant + Lounge:  Blush is a Santa Barbara restaurant conveniently located at 630 State Street. If you’re planning a  rehearsal dinner, or elegant wedding reception, visit the website and Facebook page or call (805) 957-1300 for more information. Reservations may be made by phone or booked online.