Austin Coffee Shops - Top 3 Coffee Houses in Austin Texas

There are a myriad of reasons to love Austin TX, with ACL and SXSW, Sixth Street, Hyde Park, Zilker Park, Lake Austin, beautiful hill country, thrift and novelty shops galore and Guadalupe St. it is difficult to pick out just one reason why Austin is awesome. Though for me, my love for Austin directly comes from the café's and coffee shops. On top of hundreds of reasons to simply love Austin there are hundreds of coffee houses as well, but I am just going to tell you about the best.

First and foremost is Halcyon. Halcyon isn't your grandma's coffee shop; it is a bar and a lounge, a great place for lunch, or a great cappuccino and with an attached cigar/smoke shop it becomes difficult to find a reason to ever leave Halcyon. Awesomely located downtown on west 4th just across the street from Oilcan Harry's makes Halcyon the perfect place to wind down with some coffee and a cigar after a night full of dancing and drag shows!

If you want your coffee a little more low key, nothing and nowhere beats Dolce Vita! A little further north in the always cool Hyde Park on Duvall near 43rd sits this little refuge full of amazing espressos and fantastic gelato. Dolce Vita falls short on outside seating so smokers may have to fight for a spot but inside is roomy and comfortable with tables, chairs, couches and divided rooms. Happy hour starts at 4pm and with an incredible selection of international wines, free internet and a pretty good menu Dolce Vita can easily consume your entire Saturday.

If you are more of a coffee-with-my-studies kind of guy then Mozart's is the place for you. The opposite of Dolce Vita, Mozart's has an abundance of outdoor space spread out on multi-level decks overlooking the hills on Lake Austin with fewer seats indoors (though still adequate). Not only does Mozart's have a wide variety of imported coffees it is also one of the best bakeries in Austin and the view from the enormous deck is unbeatable. Mozart's might be a little more out of the way on Lake Austin Blvd but you will never have to fight for a seat, the atmosphere is calm and perfect for studying and the cheese cake gives New York a run for its money. With a place like Mozart's around there is never a good reason to go to a Starbucks.

Cake Decorating Ideas You Can Use

Cake decorating is an art that can be enjoyed and appreciated by everyone. There is no better way than to have great pleasure than to present a beautifully decorated cake at a celebration. This is so true especially when the event is for a child or loved one. Usually the cake is the centrepiece of any party or gathering. The art of cake decorating can be defined as taking a plain cake and turning it into an edible piece of art.

Decorating cakes take patience, time, practice, and steady hands. Taking a few basic lessons in decorating can be very helpful for the beginners. Cake decorating contests are all over the channels offering large monetary awards. But the true reward is not with the money but in the satisfaction that the bakers have when presenting their edible masterpieces. These contests are showcasing the skills of talented cake decorators.

Beginning cake decorators may choose to spend less time on making the cake itself. Some tips from bakers have suggested that home cake decorators take a short cut and use a good box cake mix. By adding a few extra ingredients in the cake batter, the cake will have a taste close to homemade. Cake decorating takes many hours of preparation before the actual process begins.

Good decorating bags, tips, and spatulas are essential needs in the kitchen when decorating. A good food color is vital to achieving the bold and rich colors desired. Use an oven thermometer to make sure the oven is heating to the proper temperature before baking. Always begin the decorating process with a level cake or cake layers. Keep your work area clean, cool, and organized.

Some may choose to stay away from cake decorating and order theirs from the grocery store or bakery. Not everyone has the skills needed to decorate successfully. The interest has to be very strong to develop mastery in cake decorating. You can not be a good cake decorator just by looking at beautiful work of others. There are some back-stage tricks and techniques involved. If you are serious you should spend some time to learn those.

Jin Li Sheng - Soft Ice Cream Machine, Ice Cream Maker, Ice Cream Freezer, Ice Cream Making Machine

Jin Li Sheng is a professional manufacturer of Soft ice cream machines. Jin Li Sheng can supply you different kinds of Soft ice cream machines, including 6 flavours, 5 flavours (one of our patent products, can make the Sundae ice cream). 3 flavours, single flavour, all as floor models and...



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lj9zdjLwaVs&hl=en

katy perry - boyish dream NEW SONG 2010!

:)



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxglfgfwftI&hl=en

NASFT 2009 Fancy Food Show, Day 1 allotment 1

Day 1, part 1: A few minutes on the Fancy Food show floor from Sunday with Gelato Giuliano, Escazu Artisan Chocolates, Garden Lites, Amano Artisan Chocolates, and more! See part 2 here: www.youtube.com



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbarm0kjKns&hl=en

An Ode To Margaret Thatcher - How Soft Serve Ice Cream Is Made

Growing up in Midwest America, there is one thing that always brought a smile to my face: soft serve ice cream. I was and remain a very healthy individual, but there was something about this delectable dessert, covered in those scrumptious wonders known only as "sprinkles" that I couldn't resist. But from an early age, I always wondered, "How is soft serve ice cream made?" And, perhaps more importantly for me at that time, how could I possibly buy once of those magical devises?

But wait. What does this personal anecdote possibly have to do with Margaret Thatcher.

I'm getting there. But I digress.

Many years later, while I have shook off the shackles of my soft serve infatuation, I still wondered. It turns out that the story of soft serve ice cream has an interesting origin involving one of the twentieth century's greatest Cold War politicians, Margaret Thatcher. In the mid-20th century, she worked on a chemical research team in Britain, uncovering a method of dramatically increasing the amount of air in ice cream---allowing manufacturers to use less of the actual ingredients and reducing their costs per serving significantly.

Does that mean that my lust for soft serve ice cream was hot air? Well, maybe, but I dug further.

Generally speaking, soft serve ice cream is a slightly different form of ice cream that is dispensed from a machine instead of by hand. Significantly lower in fat content than traditional hard ice cream, soft serve is produced at a warmer temperature than ice cream, resulting in a special property that can explain its unsurpassed taste. By having a warmer temperature, the human taste buds can actually detect more flavor.

As you may have guessed, the proper combination of temperature and air is fundamental to the taste of the finished product. Soft serve produced with lower amounts of air results in a icy, heavy tasting product. On the other hand, soft serve produced with higher amounts of air typically taste creamier, smoother and lighter. Generally speaking, the air content should optimally be between 35 percent and 45 percent of volume. Like traditional ice cream, soft serve ice cream must be frozen quickly to avoid crystallization.

Now that I've finally unlocked the mysteries of the magic ice cream machines, I'm off to satisfy my sweet tooth. Thank you Margaret Thatcher.

Let's Play Super Mario Sunshine, Pt. 48: Tons Of Blue Coins In Penis Park

Having more fun. Oh yeah. I had to edit the crap out of this thing so there are tons of cuts. Whew!



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMePiitUB_Y&hl=en

Baking 30 Minute Desserts

These 3 quick desserts are perfect for those last-minute guests or when you need a quick dessert recipe.

Candy Bar Imitations

1/2 cup butter

1 package devil's food cake mix

1 cup butterscotch chips

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 cup coconut

1 cup chopped pecans

1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk

Mix the butter and cake mix in a large bowl until crumbly. Evenly sprinkle this mixture into a jelly roll pan (15 x 10 x 1-inch). Press the mixture into the bottom of the pan. Put the butterscotch chips, chocolate chips, coconut, and pecans over the top of the mixture in an even layer. Add the sweetened condensed milk over the entire mixture. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 20 to 30 minutes. The top should be light golden brown. Allow it to cool and cut it into bars.

Caramel Brownies

1 package (14 ounces) caramels

1 can evaporated milk

1 package German chocolate cake mix

2/3 cup melted margarine

1 cup chocolate chips

1/2 cup chopped pecans

In a small saucepan over low heat melt the caramels and 1/3 cup of the evaporated milk. While those are melting, mix together the cake mix, margarine, and 1/3 cup of the evaporated milk. Put half of the cake mixture into a greased 9 x 13-inch baking pan. Put it into a 350 degree oven for 6 minutes. Add the chocolate chips and pecans in an even layer over the baked cake mix. Pour the caramel mixture evenly over the chocolate chip/pecan layer. Then pour the other half of the cake mix over the caramel layer. Bake for 20 additional minutes. Allow brownies to cool and cut into bars.

Easy Lemon Bars

1 package lemon cake mix

1 egg

1/2 cup oil

1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese

1/3 cup sugar

1 tablespoon lemon juice

In a medium bowl, mix the cake mix, egg and oil together. Reserve 1 cup of this cake mixture. Put the remaining cake mixture into a 9 x 13-inch baking pan. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 15 minutes. While this is baking, mix the cream cheese, sugar, and lemon juice. Mix well. Spread this mixture over the baked cake mixture. Take the 1 cup of reserved cake mixture and sprinkle over the top. Bake for 15 additional minutes. Allow it to cool and cut into bars. Refrigerate any leftovers.

Super Mario Sunshine Playthrough (Part 30)

One year later, it returns! My most popular playthrough gets extended... to 120 Shines! "Mario has more moves than ever. You'll have to master them all to sprinkle water in the sunshine." It's the return playthrough of Super Mario Sunshine!



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fS2ZL2ddMhM&hl=en

Queer as Folk Usa - 1x12 - il bacio

la scena del gelato...



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXUYBYmtIMM&hl=en

Ice Cream Vs Gelato - What's the Difference?

Some think that "gelato" is just the Italian term for what we Americans know as "ice cream". While they are both frozen dairy desserts, there are enough differences between them to make a clear culinary distinction from one another. The differences mainly stem from the ingredients and processing methods.

Ingredients

Ice cream includes much more fat (or butterfat) than gelato. By lawful definition, ice cream includes a minimum of 10% fat, and can have up to 18%, defined by its higher cream content. Gelato recipes call for milk (low-fat to whole), and generally use little or no cream, making the fat content between 3% to 8%.

Egg yolks are used in higher quantity in gelato; more so in the custard based variety, such as chocolate or caramel flavors. Eggs aid in thickening the milk base for frozen desserts.

Gelato is typically known for using fresh and high quality ingredients, as opposed to its similar frozen dessert counterpart, in which artificial ingredients, such as syrups, can be found along with other preservatives. This is one of the reasons that gelato is best consumed within a day or two of a freshly made batch.

Sugar content also plays a role in the differences between these frozen desserts. Ordinarily there is less sugar in gelato; as low as 16% in gelato and as much as 21% in ice cream, according to wikipedia.org. Some culinary experts even go as far as to balance the sugar and water content to prevent the gelato from freezing solid to maintain the traditional creamy consistency.

Flavor & Consistency

Gelato is churned at a much slower speed with the goal of introducing as little air as possible into the mix. This creates a density that is associated with creamy rich gelato. Ice cream, on the other hand, aims to be light and fluffy, and incorporates 50% or more air whipped into it by using faster mixing speeds, thus creating a higher volume of the frozen dessert. Special gelato equipment is necessary to create the desired low air infused, or whipped affect. These special machines are usually only available at the professional level and may be the reason why so many gelaterias are popping up all over the country.

While the serving temperatures of both frozen desserts are under the freezing mark, gelato is presented at 5°F and ice cream at -10°F; a 15° difference. The higher temperature is one of the contributing factors in the soft consistency of gelato, which is a lot like soft-serve, causing the melting rate to be much faster than traditional ice cream. The lower fat content of gelato is another reason it melts more quickly than ice cream.

Other Differences

Gelato is gaining popularity among the frozen dessert aficionados due to the richness in flavor that is achieved by using high quality and fresh ingredients and slow-churn processing. Therefore, it is typically made in small artisan batches, as opposed to ice cream, which can easily be made in larger quantities.

Ice cream can be stored frozen for months, while gelato is best consumed within days in order to preserve freshness and its famed creamy consistency. Those with and without trained palates can tell if gelato is past its prime if noticeable ice crystals have formed, or if the intensity of the flavor has diminished to a bland state.

Now that you're aware of the technical differences between ice cream and gelato, it would be fun to do some real life sampling to put your new knowledge to the test!

Ice Cream Cart

Ice Cream Carts by Nelson - Outdoor Mobile Push Carts for Ice Cream Novelties, Italian Ice, Gelato and more.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TrMUm6DhrSA&hl=en

Enjoy Venice by Night

Do you know that Venice is a car-free city? Something that is unusual in this modern era, but that is Venice. So, you must have a good comfortable shoes that will accompany you go around Venice to discover the heart and soul of it especially enjoy Venice by night.

Venice is good at daytime and night. At daytime you can walking along "Calle" the narrow alley where you discover small squares, a place for Venetians have good time by playing with their children and pets. Don't worry if you want to buy your needs, there are many small shops and even cafes. And don't think the happiness will end when the night comes, because at night the city's charms sharpen.

At night you can stroll the beautiful city starting from the alley at St. Mark's Square next to the Basilica. You will have wonderful experience by knowing closer to people, some gelato stands, phone booths, some restaurants, some bridges, and the dazzling back view of the Bridge of Sighs. For you know, the famous bridge will be lighted at night. There, sometimes, you can enjoy the beautiful music from musician while watching the moon rise. All of them make your nigh in Venice will be unforgettable moment. But don't forget wearing dress warm in winter to avoid or at least minimize bitterly cold.

Another Choices

If you want to enjoy another side of Venice at night you can stroll around to look into the little shops or enjoy some drinks at shops, something like at surrounding Ponti de Rialto where has the largest concentration of popular bars. Most of that bars tend to peak at around 8pm and these pubs and restaurants close at 10:30pm. Another pub is Tortuga Pub (off Fondamente Nuovo) that open till 1:00am and plays rock music. They also serve some food even at these early hours. Just go to the one stall that near Scalzi Church which selling hot mulled wine. Some say that the food served there is delicious.

Traveling by Vaporetto or water buses at night in Venice is good too. You can travel to one of the islands for a meal and drinks, and return, all via these unpretentious transportation while enjoying the view of the Grand Canal and its surroundings. It will be enthralling experience.

The last thing that you must try is gondola. Venice without gondola is as food without salt. Though exploring canals by riding gondola is the most expensive way, it doesn't matter if you are the romantic kind of people. Sometimes, the gondolier is not shy about singing his way through the whole trip bringing you enjoy night at Venice. Yes, that is an unforgettable moment enjoying Venice at night.

Super Mario Sunshine Playthrough (Part 13)

"Mario has more moves than ever. You'll have to master them all to sprinkle water in the sunshine." A playthrough of Super Mario Sunshine! Played and commentated on by PlayingWithMahWii.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgOAoQAJbMA&hl=en

Tutti pazzi per admiration 1: Laura e Paolo in "Fotoromanza"

Paolo e Laura cantano "Fotoromanza" di Gianna Nannini. Il finale riguarda la disobbedienza del Signor Giorgi uu Aahahahha TESTO COMPLETO: Se la sera non esci ma ti prepari un panino mentre guardi la tv anche tu? ti addormenti con qualcuno che alla luce del giorno non conosci più anche tu? Ti telefono o no? Ti telefono o no? Ho il morale in cantina! Mi telefoni o no? Mi telefoni o no? Chissà chi vincerà? Poi se ti diverti non la metti da parte un pò di felicità... anche tu? Io vorrei sognarti ma ho perduto il sonno e la fantasia... anche tu? Ti telefono o no? Ti telefono o no? Io non cedo per prima! Mi telefoni o no? Mi telefoni o no? Chissà chi vincerà! Questo amore è una camera a gas! E' un palazzo che brucia in città! Questo amore è una lama sottile! E' una scena al rallentatore! Questo amore è una bomba all'hotel! Questo amore è una finta sul ring! E' una fiamma che esplode nel cielo! Questo amore è un gelato al veleno! Io non riesco a dirlo... E' che ti vorrei soltanto un pò di più! ...Anche tu? Io vorrei toccarti... ma più mi avvicino e più non so chi sei! ...Anche tu? Ti telefono o no? Ti telefono o no? Io non cedo per prima! Mi telefoni o no? Mi telefoni o no? Chissà chi vincerà! Questo amore è una camera a gas! E' un palazzo che brucia in città! Questo amore è una lama sottile! E' una scena al rallentatore! Questo amore è una bomba all'hotel! Questo amore è una finta sul ring! E' una fiamma che esplode nel cielo! Questo amore è un gelato al veleno!



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mC0wRFDzpP0&hl=en

Delicious Desserts

A "Dessert" is a meal course that usually comes after dinner. Most often Dessert foods are of sweet food but can also be of a strongly flavored food, such as cheese, like cheese cake. The world dessert comes from the Old French word "desservir", which means 'to clear the table'. Often times in the English language dessert is confused with the word desert(note only one "s"), which is a baren peice of land normally with sand as soil.

It wasn't until after the 19th-century where the rise of the middle class, and the mechanization of the sugar industry, brought the privilege of sweets into the general public and unreserved it exclusively for the aristocracy, or as rare holiday treat. This was because sugar became cheaper and more readily available to the general public. As sugar was widely spread, so was the development and popularity of desserts.

In today's culture dessert recipes [http://www.dessert-1.com] have become a popular item for discussion, as they are a winning way to win people over at the end of any meal. This is partly because if you serve a mediocre meal, with an excellent dessert, people will remember you for the dessert and forget about the meal.

Most cultures, have a seperate final distinction between the main course, and the sweet course. This is not true however in some cultures such as Chinese, who will mix in sweet and savoury dishes throughout the entire meal. Dessert is, often times seen as a separate meal or snack, rather than a course, and can be eaten some time after the meal by many individuals. Because of it's wide spread popularity there are even some restaurants that specialize in desserts.

Some of the most common desserts are:

- Biscuits or cookies

- Ice creams

- Meringues

- Fruit

- Cakes

- Crumbles

- Custards

- Gelatin desserts

- Puddings

- Pastries

- Pies or tarts

Why Gelato is Good For You

Psst...want to know what's even better than ice cream? Gelato, of course! Why? Ounce per ounce, gelato has significantly less fat than ice cream. Compared with regular, American-style ice cream, which goes at 10-18% butterfat, gelato makers add in 4-8% butterfat when making gelato. The fat-stinginess of the gelato maker is great news for those of us who are trying to limit our fat intake.

Additionally, gelato's low fat content means that, when you eat it, you get to taste other things besides just the fat. Regular ice cream coats your tongue with fatty acids, tryglycerides, and sometimes even trans fat. These fats block the flavors from reaching your taste buds. Regardless of whether the ice cream is packed with strawberries, pistachios, espresso, or exotic ingredients like green tea, if fat hits your tongue first, all those delicious flavors will go unappreciated.

However, it's not just the low fat content of gelato that makes it so great. Because of the way that the gelato maker mixes the concoction, gelato contains much less air space than regular ice cream. By volume, gelato contains 35% air, with a premium gelato maker like Ciao Bella packing in only 20% air. In contrast, regular ice cream contains 55% air volume or even more. Why is this significant? Because more air means significantly less flavor.

Why is there so much air in ice cream? In order to answer this question, think back to the fat percentage of regular ice cream. If you take any liquid mixture (which is how ice cream starts out) that contains almost 20% fat, and then you freeze that mixture, guess what happens? You get a solid piece of rock! For this reason, as much air as possible is whipped into the ice cream slurry before it is frozen. The air that is nestled between the pockets of fat maintains the ice cream in a semi-soft state. This is also why, if you happen to let your box of ice cream melt in the car and then re-freeze it, you get a solid chunk of non-servable cement back.

Gelato, on the other hand, does not have this problem. Consisting of minimal fat, it is best maintained at temperatures just at or above freezing (for example, 30F). There are special gelato freezers used by gelato makers and gelato machines that maintain gelato at this temperature. This is also why, if you buy gelato to take home, you should store it in the warmest place of your freezer, such as the side shelf.

Because gelato does not require actual freezing, it is not as cold, and thus more flavorful, when it hits your tongue. Really cold ice cream, which is sometimes served at -20F, tends to numb the taste buds. You can probably think of at least a few individuals in your life that let their ice cream warm up to the point of melting- and for good reason. With gelato, there is no need to wait. Your gelato maker has already made sure that your gelato comes naturally warmed up and ready to eat. And best of all, your gelato contains a lot less fat.

You may have noticed that most premium brand gelato is rather expensive. Not to worry: you can make your own healthful gelato using a simple gelato maker. The gelato maker, which is also called a gelato machine, is small and compact. The gelato maker carries an onboard gelato freezer, and best of all, allows you to save money on gelato. The basic ingredients for making gelato are also simple and inexpensive: sugar, milk, and fruit are the staples of any good and healthy gelato.

Now that you know all the benefits of gelato, can you really see yourself going back to eating ice cream?

Super Mario Sunshine Playthrough - Part 11

Shine Sprites collected in this part: --- ★Ricco Harbor - The Secret of Ricco Tower ★Gelato Beach - The Sand Bird is Born I messed up in both the Ricco Tower secret and the Sand Bird :( But other than that, I got those Shine Sprites with no problem! This is not a 100% walkthrough! I don't collect every single Shine Sprite and Blue Coin in this playthrough! I'm not the best at this game either, considering how hard the game is! If you want to get every single Shine Sprite and Blue Coin, find a strategy guide of the game, or watch someone else on YouTube play the game with all the Shine Sprites! Please enjoy the playthrough as it is! This playthrough was made by playing the game on my Nintendo Gamecube, and by recording the footage with my Presidian DVD recorder. It was also edited with Sony Vegas Movie Studio 9 Platinum Edition. The entire playthrough was originally recorded on July 13, 2010.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-sbdns7yOPA&hl=en

Family Vacation in Granada, Nicaragua

Granada, Nicaragua is not the first place that comes to mind when you think of a family vacation. This is one of the reasons this beautiful colonial city makes a great travel experience for children. The lack of crowds and commercialism allow everyone to relax and enjoy experiencing a unique culture. Granada is an easy city to explore on foot or by horse drawn carriage. There are museums, cultural centers and markets to while away the afternoon heat. Just outside the city are a thrilling zip-line tour through the jungle canopy at Mombacho Volcano or a tranquil boat tour of some of the 365 islands located in Lake Nicaragua at the city's edge.

Granada attracts a diverse range of people and this has resulted in some great restaurant, shopping and hotel choices. There is something here for every traveler's budget. You can enjoy an elegant meal at the Tercer Ojo, located next to the Convento San Francisco or head up the road one block and dig into a delicious pizza with a beer or a coke at the Tele Pizza. In the mood for some Espresso and Gelato, no problem just walk up half a block from the central park to the Euro Cafe. Enjoy their free WIFI and used book store when you are done.

Your hotel choices are as varied as the choices in restaurants. Our favorite hotel in Granada is the Hotel Casa San Francisco. It is a charming boutique hotel with a pool and restaurant. The hotel is owned by two sisters who were former US Peace Corps workers. They are involved in the Granada community and we enjoy hearing their stories. The hotel is small enough that the staff will get to know you and make you feel very welcome.

An easy day trip outside of Granada is to the artisan town of Masaya. A shopping trip to the market in Masaya should not be missed. Nicaraguans are highly skilled artists and there are so many interesting items, your children will not be bored. It is also an easy drive to the top of the active Masaya Volcano, where you can be up close to the smoking crater.

Nicaraguans are warm and welcoming people, proud of their culture and the peace they have found. Experiencing and supporting this culture with your tourism will ensure that this family vacation will remain in your hearts forever.

Olive Garden Coupons - Maximize Your Dining

Olive Garden is a great spot to eat out. You can get just about anything "Italian" there that taste good, and at a reasonable price. They have some online coupons that can get you an extra entree, or free dessert. One of the best things about Olive Garden is the all you can eat, bread sticks and salad. The bread sticks come out nice and warm and buttered. The salad is a good garden style salad with black olives, onions, and pepperoncini peppers. Very tasty!

You can get a nice glass of wine or a mixed drink, that compliments your meal well. They also does a nice virgin frozen drink too. Of course, they have the endless soda fountain drinks, or lemonade or ice tea. They do a good job keeping your glass filled.

The appetizers are your typical, Italian-style fare. Fried "this", and Stuffed "that", with a sprinkle of a light seafood dish, or some spinach dip choice. Good choices, just not very different from other Italian style eateries.

The entree is what usually sets Olive Garden apart from the other chain Italian restaurants. They do a great job of keeping the menu fresh and up to date. They keep the normal classics, like Lasagna, Spaghetti and Meatballs, even Seafood Portifino. However, they keep it interesting with dishes like:

Grilled Shrimp Caprese
Shrimp & Asparagus Risotto
Chianti Braised Short Ribs
Stuffed Chicken Marsala

These Specialties were inspired by the Culinary Institute of Tuscany, their cooking school in Italy. All excellent choices!

If you are not totally stuffed by the time you are done with dinner. You can grab a a decadent dessert the at definitely finish the dinner off right.

They do a great job with a classic Tiramisu. If you want to delve more into chocolate bliss, try the Chocolate Gelato or the Black Tie Mousse Cake.

Overall, Olive Garden has a good variety on the menu, with decent prices. No you are not getting what you would get in Tuscany, but you will enjoy the food and won't go broke paying for it. Please make sure to look for Olive Garden coupons, to maximize your dining experience.

Gelateria Pellicano 2

Gelateria il Pellicano Rimini e RIccione, il buon gelato artigianale



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5rgAfSiMsw&hl=en

Super Mario Sunshine Music - Gelato Beach

This is the third level in Super Mario Sunshine. It's where all those dune buds are and where you fight Wiggler.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hg17A1G0zp4&hl=en

IL GELATO DI PESCHE FRESCHE DI GIUSEPPE DEIANA

LA PREPARAZIONE DEL SORBETTO DI PESCHA



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6_k1-T7oFg&hl=en

How to Write the Perfect Business Plan

"A franchise is more likely to succeed with a projected plan for all eventualities: If you fail to plan, you plan to fail..."

The old adage "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail" is especially important for first time franchisees. Those who understand the benefits of business planning are more likely to be successful and pro-active to management decisions, than are those who react to day-to-day operational issues. Franchisees who fail to plan strategically end up confronting problems head on and may be unable to manage the business effectively on a daily basis.

This type of business management can have a negative impact on the franchise, staff and other individuals involved in the operation. It can also leave very little time for any other business management concerns. Therefore it is necessary for franchisees to construct an effective business plan for their franchise system.

Your business plan will be the "sales document" for you and your business and its preparation should project the image of what you want for your business. The following is a useful guideline on how best to approach drawing up a business plan and the key terms it should contain.

1. Introduction

Purpose of the business and business concept;




Overall business objectives;




Legal status of the business stated; benefits and shortcomings of this business system.

2. The Product and Service

Product or service your business will offer; include relevant history of the franchise product or service;





List the Unique Selling Point (USP) of your business product or service; the key feature that makes your product stand out from the rest in the market place;




How the product or service can be developed with the help of the franchisor.







3. The Personnel

Include details of anyone who will be involved in making your business a success. These people are very important to your business success. Include in this section:

Brief summary of each person's skills and knowledge of the particular sector, including their personal assessment of attributes, strengths, weaknesses as well as your own assessment of each person;




Relevant experience, commitment and reasons for involvement;

Don't forget to include yourself in this assessment of key personnel- you are the driving force behind the business operation.





Include a detailed CV for each person in the "Appendix" at the end of your plan.

4. The Market

This is probably the most important section of the business plan. Without a clearly defined market, your business will not succeed. If you can show that you have "done your homework", you will gain credibility for the whole business plan. Your franchisor will also have research in this area you can avail of.

Describe the current conditions in the market place for your product or service;

Detail any relevant facts and figures relating to the market sector(s) that you will be targeting, and the type(s) of potential customers for your product or service.

Details of competitors should be included with reasons why potential customers will choose your product/service over your competitors.

5. The Marketing Plan

Include your marketing objectives; i.e. number of sales.

Where your product or service will be positioned within the market place in terms of image, price and quality. You can avail of franchisor assistance in determining the marketing strategy.

Planned marketing, PR campaigns and advertising;

Customer service policy is planned and how it will work.

6. The Operation

Include sources of supply, labor and materials;

Detail resources required to operate your business; what you already have and what you will need to acquire;

Identify any crucial procedures or sensitive issues and outline possible solutions;

State where you intend to operate from- your current premises and future requirements;

Outline your projected Health and Safety policies.

7. The Premises

· Location;

· Future business growth;

· Running costs and Uniform Business Rates, rent, etc.

· Insurance

· Planning Consent, planning issues.

8. Financial Information

(a) Introduction: Start with the key facts; the forecast profit (or loss) for the year;

Whether additional financing will be required and what for;

Break even sales for the business should be calculated and shown as a % of your anticipated sales;

Details of the money you need to take out of the business to live on - required income.

(b) Profit and Loss Forecast

Your forecast profit (or loss) should be based on your anticipated sales, minus your direct costs and overheads. The assumptions made should include:

Justify anticipated sales as best you can;

Any direct costs (materials, etc) should be detailed;

Don't' forget overheads;

(c) Cash Flow Forecast

To anticipate how much cash your business will require, you should convert your profit and loss forecast. List the following assumptions:

When will you get the money from sales;

When you will have to pay suppliers;

The timing of specific overheads;

How much capital equipment that you require for the business. Differentiate between existing equipment and expenditure still to be made- how much and when.

9. The Appendix

This is the final section of the BP. It should include the detailed information mentioned earlier and the following:

Details of premises;

Insurance Details;

Product brochure, photographs, letterhead.

Anything else that you believe will enhance the credibility of you or enhance the credibility of your business.

Super Mario Sunshine Playthrough (Part 20)

"Mario has more moves than ever. You'll have to master them all to sprinkle water in the sunshine." A playthrough of Super Mario Sunshine! Played and commentated on by PlayingWithMahWii.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHjVM2JqO0I&hl=en

A Piece of Italy

A quaint citadel of arts, food, shopping and entertainment will be born soon in San Jose, California. It is the Little Italy, a brainchild of a variegated Italian visionaries who want to keep alive the Italian culture and its heritage. Some of them were born in the US from Italian immigrants of last century and some are natives of Italy and are the new expatriates of the current century. The vision of the Little Italy unites them in a unique way.

The future Little Italy in San Jose is a promise of the typical Italian Dolce Vita and Dolce Far Niente translated into "a sweet do nothing". I envision the streets lined with colorful building where artisans, designers and creative people are at work in their studios and fabrications shops. The artists share the streets with elegant Italian fashion shops, characteristic Italian restaurants, bistro permeated with coffee aroma, music shops, theatre shows and cabaret for the lovers of plays.

The new Little Italy is the cozy and "intimate living room of San Jose". People of all nationalities will meet in quaint cafes, restaurants and outdoor rooms, to conduct business, socialize, to see and be seen and mingle in a romantic Bohemian atmosphere.

The new Little Italy is the gateway connecting the past Italy known to Italian immigrants and the new modern, contemporary Italy. Visitors will connect with the rich Italian culture, get familiar with the Italian philosophy of life and support the shops.

Three contemporary arches placed at three strategic points of entry will symbolize the gateway of Italian generations. White Carrara Marble stripes and Grey Cardoso Stone stripes to echo the Baptistery of Florence will cover the bases of the arch's pillars. Red bricks will cover the top part of the pillars ending in a steel arch with LED side lights. We wanted to achieve a classical and yet modern look with a jewel tone finish.

A few small piazzas, connecting the shopping areas with the Guadalupe Park and River will be the heart of the community, each designed with a whimsical character, vignettes, courtyards, views and passageways leading into the next piazza.
Colorful building in the Mediterranean color palette will fill all exterior positive spaces with interesting architectural details and decorative building facade. These buildings will mark each commercial activity.

Stone benches placed under trees and near fragrant plants will serve as cooling areas with the aid of fountains and water sources. An intelligent game of lights will create silhouettes and moon lights over sculptures made by Italian artists. Light is life, as I often say to my clients.

An attractive lighting game will attract people who will want to linger, enjoy the area and spend money.

The piazzas will serve the purpose of recreating outdoor rooms where visitors can sit comfortably and enjoy a gelato, read a book, or simply look at people strolling at leisurely. That is why at the beginning I called it the "intimate living room of San Jose".

The Guadalupe River cleaned up and made navigable with romantic gondola rides can be a revitalizer for the soul and a window to dream the distant Venice.

I had a dream last night. The vision of the Little Italy as described in this article is my personal vision. My hope and I believe to interpret the hopes of the Italian group working on this project is to reunite enough people who will see the same beauty I see and will be willing to build it.

The Little Italy section of the downtown San Jose will increase the city's visibility and bring prosperity. It will be a destination point for everybody and a place of attraction for the residents of the city itself as well as foreign and national tourists. The preservation of the Italian culture will add a proud element to the city.

Love to hear your comments in the box below. ©
Arrivederci!
Valentina
Interior Designer

7 Essential Herbs to Have in Your Italian Herb Garden

Ahhh.. The joy of Italian cooking. When most people think about delicious Italian food, the dishes that usually come to mind include pasta and pizza. But what really gives Italian food its flair are the essential herbs that are used in Italian cooking. To make sure that you have the proper ingredients, here are 7 herbs that are essential to have in your Italian Herb Garden:

Basil - What would the world be like without Basil? Basil is not only used in Italian cooking but also can be found used in several Asian cuisines. It is most noted as the primary flavor of Pesto with is great for flavoring pasta or used in spreads or marinades.

Basic Recipe for Pesto

Ingredients:

· 2 cups packed fresh basil leaves

· 1/2 cup grated parmesan or Romano cheese

· 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

· 1/3 cup pine nuts

· 3 garlic cloves

· 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

· Juice of 1/2 lemon

Instructions:

Place all ingredients in a food processor and pulse until well blend. Make sure to scrape the sides of the food processor with a rubber spatula in case any of the ingredients find themselves clinging to the wall and not blending.

Oregano - Oregano is most commonly used in Southern Italy and can almost always be found in tomato based sauces. In fact, it is the primary flavoring agent in pizza sauce, aside from the tomatoes of course.

Marjoram - People commonly confuse marjoram and oregano, which isn't surprising because they're related and taste similar. Marjoram has more of a delicate, flowery flavor whereas oregano is more pungent. Because of marjoram's delicate flavor, it isn't suited well for drying. But it's great fresh anyway just like most herbs.

Rosemary - Rosemary is a very strong herb and has a very robust flavor and aroma. It grows well in dry, hot, and shaded areas. Because of its strong flavor, it's a great flavoring agent for meats, potatoes, and bread.

Parsley - When people think of parsley, they usually associate it with a bad garnish in a cheap restaurant. That type of parsley is curly-leaf parsley. Curly-leaf parsley is best used dried and only if you don't plan on using fresh flat-leaf parsley. Flat-leaf parsley is best used fresh but doesn't keep its flavor well when dried.

"But what is this stuff good for anyway?" I'm sure your asking. Flat-leaf parsley is found all over Italy and is used in many common dishes and sauces. It is an essential part of any Italian herb garden.

Sage - Sage is an herb most commonly used in Northern Italian cooking. Because of its strong distinctive flavor it's best used sparingly. Sage is best used when blended with other herbs and spices instead of being used as the primary flavoring agent.

Thyme - Thyme is an herb that you usually see used with cooking meat. It's a hardy plant that can find itself easily growing in various conditions. It's a very versatile herb and is great in almost any Italian dish. Except for maybe gelato. I don't think that thyme flavored gelato would last too long in the grocery stores, or in my mouth for that matter.

ice chrism gelato freezer

a professional freezer for cafè and hotels



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ke44s1Mae-g&hl=en

Italy Beyond Fashion

Green, white and red - these are the colors of the Italian flag. These are also the same colors often seen in the straps of the bags produced by the House of Gucci, a world-famous Florentine luxury brand.

Yes, Italy is the fashion capital of the world. It houses the headquarters of various brands like Prada, Versace, Fendi, Armani, Ferragamo, and others. However, one must not presume that Italy is nothing but a mere fashion destination. Even if Italy is actually one, the country still has a lot of magnificence to offer.

The Vatican City in Rome, Leaning Tower of Pisa, La Rotonda, and the Roman Colosseum, the most famous destinations in Italy, for instance, are there for one's enjoyment. Sports fans, meanwhile, can watch water polo, fencing, ice hockey, rugby, cycling and football matches in sports arenas in Milan. Additionally, an Italian getaway will never be complete without a Venetian visit. Tourists can enjoy cheap Italian shopping through the floating merchants in Venice that sell authentic Italian merchandise. There are also floating musicians to entertain tourists.

After visiting Italy's famous churches, museums and parks, one must not forget to sample Italian cuisine. Now, it would be a total waste if a tourist in Italy chooses not to dine in an authentic Italian restaurant. For the discriminating taste, nothing beats pizza, pasta, gelato and foccacia in Italy itself because it is here, of course, that the flavor of Italian cuisine truly stands out and topples down the attempts of many non-authentic restaurants all over the world that desperately try to replicate Italian cooking.

nino d'angelo - Nu Gelato E Nu Cafè

video



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4d0DjDgEN0&hl=en

GELATO alla FRAGOLA

ragazze nn so voi ma a me l'irrefrenabile voglia di gelato nn lascia scampo..ehehehhe...ha contagiato anche questo tutorial..XD...qual è il vostro gusto di gelato preferito? kisssssssssss fragolosi.. pagina facebook: www.facebook.com



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NmBOE8BhIhM&hl=en

FIMO: perline con "Effetto variegato"

Ciao a tutti...eccovi un video veloce veloce per creare delle perline con un particolare "effetto variegato"...gli ho dato questo nome perchè mi ricorda il gelato alla panna con amarena variegata...hehe...spero vi piaccia...un bacio ea presto...ciaoooo



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1E_-NEl2VL8&hl=en

Welcome to the World of Italian Desserts

We're going to tour the sensational and tantalizing world of Italian Desserts. We'll tread softly through acres of light and crispy Pizzelles, hopscotch down sidewalks of biscotti and streets lined with cannoli. Under skies dotted with clouds of gelato, feeling the breezes of chocolate, anisette, and almond blowing through our hair, let's stroll through quiet, quaint streets lined with hedges of tiramisu and view lawns dotted with clumps of Farfellete (bow ties) and Italian Love Knot cookies.

Have you ever wondered how and why some of the cultural foods emerged over the years?

We'll explore some of the folklore and the history behind Italian Desserts and compare foods which originated in Northern Italy with foods from Southern Italy and learn the reasons they differ. We'll discover how fresh fruits, chocolate and cheeses can be combined to create desserts that will delight your taste buds. We will discover that there really is a "healthy ice cream" when we dive into mounds of gelato and sorbets. We'll even discover how adding alcohol enhances the flavors of your dessert creation! There will be tips for using left over breads to make bread puddings, enhancing them with Italian Liquor like Limoncello, to make luscious desserts.

Try some of the recipes along the way.

Experiment with them, adding or changing ingredients as you desire - maybe even create something new and exciting of your own! Surprise your family with new and interesting desserts that both taste awesome and are exciting to behold! Watch the kids marvel as you put their favorite fruits, puddings or ice creams into "Pizzelle bowls" that they can eat when the filling is gone. Hey...no dishes to wash....you gotta love that, Mom!

So come on along; join me in this adventure in dessert cuisine and history. It is a trip you will not soon forget!

Desserts to Die For

Having a sweet tooth is so underrated. Pizza--delicious. Cheeseburgers and fries--yes, please. But if you really want to indulge, nothing beats a flourless chocolate cake, bread pudding with extra caramel sauce or a slice of pecan pie with vanilla ice cream. Why not do as writer Ernestine Ulmer once said, "Life is uncertain. Eat dessert first"? After all, 'tis the season for keeping warm via comfort food. There are many hidden treasures, along with restaurants already known for their sweets, and they are all right in your backyard. Here are some great desserts to live, or perhaps die, for.

Hot Chocolate

1747 N. Damen, 773-489-1747

Although the name suggests otherwise, there's something for chocolate and non-chocolate lovers alike at this sleek and hip, Bucktown hotspot. Mindy Segal, MK alumna and acclaimed pastry chef, centers the menu around fabulous desserts, but there are also solid brunch and dinner options, such as a hamburger made with farm-raised beef and aged cheddar, a tuna melt and entrees including free-range chicken and fresh fish. Chocolate lovers won't have a hard time ordering dessert here, as there are several cocoa-heavy treats like the "percentages." The Chocolate 72% is a chocolate fudge mint cake that tastes like a rich brownie made of Girl Scout Thin Mints, accompanied by more fudge mint in the form of a small, shooter-sized shake. Another winner is the Chocolate 35%, a rich, Valrhona milk chocolate and peanut mousse terrine that has a caramel center and sides of peanut brittle and malted milk foam. Too much? How about just a cup of the famous house hot chocolate made with real cocoa and marshmallows. Or opt for one of the fruity desserts, such as the Black and Blue, a sandwich made with citrus shortbread and lemon curd, served with sour cream sorbet and poached, organic blueberries and blackberries.

Osteria di Tramonto

601 N. Milwaukee, Wheeling, 847-777-6570

There comes a time in everyone's life when they must try something sweet made by Gale Gand, pastry queen of Chicago--and the country, for that matter. Gand's stellar reputation and award-winning prowess comes from her success as executive pastry chef at Tru, the legendary, four-star downtown restaurant she runs with longtime culinary partner and acclaimed chef Rick Tramonto. Gand also hosts "Sweet Dreams" on the Food Network. Now, she and Tramonto have teamed up to open this lively Italian restaurant tucked in the Westin Chicago North Shore hotel. Ordering at least two of Gand's ethereal desserts here are a must. If in a bind over which to pick, try this: close your eyes and point to anything on the menu--you're guaranteed to wind up with something extraordinary. The profiteroles, four pastry shells filled with unique flavors of gelato, such as caramel, hazelnut or espresso, are all doused in a rich, warm chocolate sauce. Or try the orange ricotta cannoli--deep-fried wonton shells filled with citrusy ricotta, atop a dusting of pistachios and white and dark chocolate shavings for dipping. With a buttery crust, seasonal apples, a silky-rich caramel sauce and vanilla gelato, the apple crostata is another crowd favorite.

Sweets and Savories

1534 W. Fullerton, 773-281-6778

At this cozy, intimate spot in Lincoln Park, the menu lives up to the restaurant's name. Sweet chocolate finds its way into a savory beef tenderloin dish, mashed potatoes mix with mascarpone and a fig "ketchup" accompanies duck fat fries. And the sweet stuff doesn't stop there--David Richards, executive chef, is also known for his scrumptious desserts. A bestseller is the chocolate fondant cake--a warm, molten chocolate cake baked to order and accompanied by a scoop of chocolate sorbet and generous drizzling of rich chocolate ganache sauce. Another favorite is the milk chocolate, warm pecan pie with a burnt caramel- and brandy-accented soft center, marbled with melted chocolate and large pecan chunks and enveloped by a flaky butter crust. That alone would be superb, but the pie is then topped with a scoop of cocoa-dusted, Tahitian vanilla bean ice cream, which balances the sweetness of the caramel sauce on the plate.

Angelina Restaurante

3561 N. Broadway, 773-935-5933

You truly have not lived or you haven't lived well until you've had the bread pudding at this romantic, hidden gem in East Lakeview, which serves homemade and authentic Italian fare. Their traditional Italian bread pudding has a milk chocolate twist. Many bread puddings can be soggy and too wet, but this pudding stays semi-firm, yet moist and rich, studded with the chocolate chunks, which, having only slightly melted, maintain their shape and add a surprise factor to every bite.

Luxbar

18 E. Bellevue, 312-642-3400

If you're going to order dessert, you might as well go all out. The Snickers pie at this Gibsons-owned hotspot in the heart of the Gold Coast will knock your socks off--in terms of both its size and taste. The massive heap of ice cream embedded with layers of Snickers bits, chocolate, caramel and peanuts, serves at least eight people. Although the pie sounds like it would be too sweet, lovers of the treat swear by the stuff because of the good balance of ice cream to candy bits.

Dunlay's on the Square

3137 W. Logan, 773-227-2400

Remember those chocolate chip cookies your mom or perhaps grandma used to bake that you'd eat right out of the oven with a glass of milk? The giant cookie at this Lincoln Square, friendly neighborhood restaurant is the same idea, except the milk is replaced with a generous scoop of rich vanilla ice cream. Crispy on the bottom and warm and oozing velvety chocolate on the inside, this giant cookie bakes in a cast-iron skillet, gets a drizzling of caramel sauce and then goes directly to your table. You will think you have died and gone to heaven.

Fat Willy's Rib Shack

2416 W. Schubert, 773-782-1800

Nothing beats washing down a plate of barbequed ribs from with this popular North Side rib shack better than the house apple fritter dessert. Unlike traditional, bite-sized apple fritters, this treat is giant-sized and looks like a rectangular doughnut. Stuffed with apple chunks, deep-fried to a golden brown, the fritter is served with generous amounts of vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce.

BB's

22 E. Hubbard, 312-755-0007

Ever had banoffee pie? If you haven't, you're missing out. This pudding-pie dessert with English origins suits the menu at this recently opened "gastropub" in River North, which features many British-inspired offerings. So what's in a banoffee pie? Whipped cream mixes with a sticky custard of toffee and sliced bananas. The bananas are fresh, the crust is flaky and the custard is rich and has some coffee-flavored notes. What more could you ask for?

Grand Lux Cafe

600 N. Michigan, 312-276-2500

A story about desserts in Chicago wouldn't

be complete without cheesecake. While some say Eli's is the best cheesecake in the city,
many favor the Cheesecake Factory's delectable cakes. By choosing the Grand Lux down the street, a more upscale offshoot of the Factory, you can avoid some of the tourist crowds and bump up the ritz. Grand Lux's cheesecake selection is limited compared to its sister restaurant, but still features old favorites like the original, fresh strawberry and white chocolate raspberry truffle. Dense and rich, understated yet divine, the cakes are sure to please. For a unique treat, try the fluffy and delicious Dulce De Leche, a heavenly and lighter caramel cheesecake.

Naha

500 N. Clark, 312-321-6242

At this minimalist, modern eatery in the heart of River North, culinary experts and cousins Carrie and Michael Nahabedian touch on their Armenian roots with their creative dishes, which also have Mediterranean and contemporary American influences. Those flavors carry through to the desserts by Elizabeth Buettner, the pastry chef. Look for savory ingredients mixed with the sweet, such as the unique Manjari chocolate sandwich made with Pinot Noir poached pears, thyme and olive oil ice cream. Don't pass up the rich goat's milk cheesecake with grape gelee, roasted walnut ice cream and shredded, caramelized filo dough, similar to baklava. The panna cotta is heavenly on its own, but also comes with hazelnut ice cream, milk chocolate crunch and candied orange caramel. Although the types of desserts stay the same, many of the ingredients change seasonally, so there's always a reason to stop in.

Chocolate Bar at the Peninsula

108 E. Superior, 312-337-2888

If you really want to gorge yourself on chocolate and sweets, head over to the beautiful Peninsula Hotel, which hosts the Chocolate Bar in the lobby on Friday and Saturday nights. For a flat fee of $30, you get an all-you-can eat ticket to the expansive buffet that's loaded with goodies. Choose among little cakes like German Chocolate variations or the more savory brie cheesecake bite with a buttery crust. Then there's an endless assortment of chocolate covered treats--peanut brittle, strawberries, pretzels and more. Wash it all down with one of the chocolaty or creamy, specialty martinis. If you order one of those, you get a discount on the chocolate bar. Just a suggestion--you might want to skip dinner or just have a salad before showing up at the buffet.

Ice Cream Wholesale - Stock Up on This Summer Treat!

If you buy Ice Cream Wholesale, you probably have a thriving stand or fleet of trucks. Everyone has heard the story of Ben and Jerry, who started out with no more knowledge than most ice cream retailers have. They took their obsession to the limit by turning wonderful and unique flavors and funny names into an American icon. But not everyone who loves it will ever be a retailer. You can be your own version of Ben and Jerry if you establish your own ice cream business.

First, you will want to have a good understanding of retail. You need to be able to negotiate, and have a happy talent for knowing which ice cream business trends are on the rise, and which are on the fall. You also need to be able to purchase your ice cream and resell it at a tidy profit, or you won't be in business for very long.

You will need to purchase an freezer and other equipment in order to properly store and serve your desert. You will also want to determine what type of ice cream you will concentrate on selling, be it sorbet or dairy cream, and how big a stand or store you can afford to operate, and make sure that the local economy will support a store of this type.

If you have no experience in the operation of parlors, check with your local Small Business Association, other merchants in the area, or friends with retail knowledge. You need a solid working knowledge of marketing and you'll want to set up a business plan for your shop, one that includes short and long-term goals, a solid working plan and a means of funding your store.

In addition to purchasing ice cream wholesale, you'll also need to purchase cones and other accessories for your business. Find a funding source to begin your business and run it for a year or so. You will need to show collateral for your business loans, if you need that type of funding. You'll need to rent warehouse space for storing your product if you don't have enough room in the building you'll be running the shop from.

Research the wholesale availability before you make any concrete steps towards your goal of owning an shop. And look into the retail market as well. In times of economic downturn, it is sometimes considered a luxury, and something people cut out of their budgets. Select how many flavors you will offer, if the market will support the type of business you desire to run.

If you will be running trucks, research the licensing fees involved in setting up and running this aspect of your store. Make sure that you get all the permits and licenses that your business will require, and have your establishment inspected and approved by the local health department. Then you're ready to start purchasing Ice Cream Wholesale and selling it to your hungry customers.

Price Is Right UK Race Game with Norma 1984

"The Race Game" was the first floor game ever played in the UK -- with it's most infamous contestant -- Norma Reeside! Notice how the hostesses had to wheel on their own items. Times were tough in the 80s!! Does anyone still have a "gelato-chef"? I bet the ice-cream it made was absolutely hideous! As for the next clip.....as Leslie says...."see you later at the wheel". If you thought Norma got excited playing "The Race Game" you just wait till she starts spinning that wheel!



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ykgpg0nDu2I&hl=en

A Review of the Best Las Vegas Hotels on the Strip

Hotels on the Las Vegas Strip are one of the best places to go for entertainment on the west coast of the United States. Sporting a wide variety of unique hotels, casinos, nightclubs, restaurants and other attractions, you will be able to find a little bit of something for everyone. But with so many amazing Las Vegas hotels on the strip, how do you begin to choose one? Each hotel offers its own theme, style, and special attractions. No matter your budget, you can choose one of the cheap hotels on the Las Vegas strip, or experience the luxury of a five star resort first hand. No matter your choice, make sure you take a walking tour of the hotels - you haven't seen Vegas until you do!

The strip runs approximately 5 miles north and south with the Stratosphere at the far north end, and the Las Vegas Outlet Center at the far south end. Let's sort it all out with 14 of the strips most popular hotels...

Circus Circus - 3 Stars - Rates starting at $82

Located in the northern section of the strip, Circus Circus is a sure to be a family favorite. The Adventuredome offers the kids at heart both thrilling rides and carnival games. Gourmet dining at The Steak House will give you the relaxing atmosphere you desire after a long day of excitement.

The world-famous casino floor is always entertaining, literally. Overhead, live circus acts include acrobats, trapeze artists, clowns, and jugglers, perform around the clock. Fun for all ages! One of the highlights of the Adventuredome is the Canyon Blaster, a double-loop, double-corkscrew roller coaster guaranteed to give you a rush! Other amenities offered are a celebrated poker room, a one-of-a-kind rotating cocktail lounge, a new shopping promenade, and several restaurants.

Stratosphere - 3 Stars - Rates starting at $94

The Stratosphere Tower is the tallest observation tower in the United States at 1,149 feet. Ride up to the 109th-floor observation deck for a truly spectacular view. Not only can you enjoy the view, but the rides on top will give you a thrill you will never forget. The Big Shot, located on the 113th floor, will shoot you 160 feet into the clouds propelled by a burst of compressed air.

The Stratosphere is the northern most hotel on the strip. Visible from nearly anywhere in Vegas, the Stratosphere is one of the most recognizable of the hotels. The 107th-floor lounge offers a quiet atmosphere to sit back and enjoy the view of Vegas lights.

The Broadway Showroom is home to an array of entertainment. American Superstars is a rock 'n' roll tribute show in the evening that features the American Superstar Dancers and impersonators that range from Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson, Britney Spears, Tim McGraw, & Madonna. The adult production Bite features topless female vampires.

A "world" of dining experiences satisfies every appetite. Top of the World not only serves amazing meals, it also provides breathtaking 360-degree views of Las Vegas. The 50's atmosphere of Roxy's Diner and the charm of Old World Italy at Fellini's gives you more choices. Where do you begin? After dinner, Polly Esther's nightclub is the place to be if you want to dance the night away.

Riviera - 3 Stars - Rates starting at $99

Located at the northern end, you can't miss the glass-lit Riviera as you drive down the Strip. The Riviera acts as a bridge between the classic Vegas and the modern-day mega resorts that reach further south.

The popularity of the Riviera is one of the reasons why Las Vegas is known as "The Entertainment Capital Of The World." The hotel has been made famous by the 1961 "Ocean's 11" and Martin Scorsese's "Casino". That's not even mentioning the hundreds of performers and television productions that has made the Riviera world famous.

With a wide range of dining rooms you are sure to find a favorite, from the seafood and prime steaks at Kristofer's to the Champagne Brunch at the World's Fare Buffet.

Other amenities include the Executive Fitness at the Riviera spa, a wedding chapel and a fun-filled arcade area for younger visitors.

Excalibur - 3 Stars - Rates starting at $121

Royalty is the theme at the Excalibur Hotel and Casino. That theme is also carried out through appreciation of their guests. Located at the south end of the strip, the Excalibur is surrounded by The Luxor, New York-New York, Mandalay Bay, and MGM Grand. Just step out the door and spend the afternoon exploring your neighbors.

The ceiling of the casino floor is embellished with original stained glass panels depicting scenes from the medieval times. Seven nights a week, live entertainment can be found in The Lounge. The race and sports book offers comfort features such as extra-wide, cushioned chairs and a complete bar just steps away.

When the hunger pains start, you will find The Steakhouse at Camelot, Regale and the Roundtable Buffet upstairs. Other options include the motorcycle-themed Octane Lounge and an impressive food court. Amenities include shops, a showroom, the Canterbury Wedding Chapel and a large banquet facility.

The kids keep busy at the Excalibur with carnival-style games and an arcade full of all the latest video games. Spongebob Squarepants 4D Ride and the Tournament of Kings dinner show will give your kids something to brag about back home.

The Royal Treatment Spa and Fitness Center provides a sauna, steam room and gym. If the heart desires, take advantage of the full menu of body treatments. Cool off from the hot Vegas sun with a dip in the pool, which includes the Drenched pool café. You can also explore the adult-only pool with cabanas.

The Luxor Hotel and Casino - 4 Star - Starting at $165

The Luxor Hotel and Casino is also located at the south end of the Las Vegas Strip. This 30-story black glass pyramid is known for its brilliant beam of light that cuts through the sky. The Luxor offers world-renowned restaurants, jaw-dropping entertainment, amazing attractions and first-class accommodations.

With so many amenities, on such an enormous scale, you may never need to leave. Spacious rooms, shopping, dining, and entertainment surround the world's largest atrium. It's all at your fingertips, and in first-class style.

The two-story LAX Nightclub attracts a slew of celebrities, while the Cat House Lounge restaurant is a modern interpretation of a 19th century French bordello featuring performers modeling CatHouse's own line of lingerie.

Soak up the sun on the extensive pool deck. The five-acre pool area includes four pools and four Jacuzzis. Also located in the pool area you will find the Luxor's spa offering a menu full of body treatments.

Games of the Gods video arcade, a re-creation of King Tut's Tomb, and an ample food court can all be found on the atrium-level. The Atrium Showroom offers entertainment options such as the comedian Carrot Top and the performance of Fantasy.

Visit the Luxor's surrounding hotels easily with the indoor walkways. Mandalay Place shops are to the south, while the Excalibur is to the north. A monorail is also available between three properties.

Treasure Island - 4 Stars - Rates starting at $179

Treasure Island is conveniently located in the center of the Strip. Known simply as TI, it is home to some of the most popular hangouts in town, a lush tropical pool area including a party tub, a huge selection of restaurants and Cirque du Soleil. The sexy Sirens of TI will give you a performance you won't forget anytime soon.

One of the most unique feature of TI are the spacious guest rooms that feature floor-to-ceiling windows, giving its guests spectacular views of the Vegas Strip.

Not only does Isla Mexican Kitchen & Tequila Bar serve amazing Mexican fare, it also comes with entertainment, as your $99 margarita is made right at your table. Kahunaville also provides the entertainment of their bartenders with quick hands. Social House provides the elite clientele with delicacies such as sushi and Pan Asian cuisine. Choose to sit on the patio and enjoy the view of the Strip while you dine. Of Course, TI offers a famous gourmet Vegas buffet. Close out your evening at Mist, a hotspot that provides an intimate setting for a truly romantic evening.

WET Spa gives guests an array of water-based treatments that will cool them down after a hot Vegas day. The pool area features individual cabanas and a party tub built for 50 people. For those of you who want to take advantage of the moment, get married while overlooking the Las Vegas Strip aboard the Sirens' ship, "The Song".

New York-New York - 4 Stars - Rates start at $180

Located across from the MGM Grand on the southern end of the strip, New York-New York Hotel & Casino allows Vegas visitors to taste that Big Apple, check out Broadway caliber entertainment and be a kid again at Coney Island.

With the exceptional detail in the design of New York-New York, you will feel like you have been transported to the east coast. The resort skyline depicts New York's Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge. When you walk through the door, your mind will say you are indoors; your senses will make you believe you are in Central Park. You can also stroll down Times Square with the flashing neon lights.

The dining choices represent an array of ethnically diverse cuisine. The fresh baking of Il Fornaio will take you to Little Italy, while Gonzalez y Gonzalez depicts a true New York City Mexican café. Stroll down the street in The Village Eateries to find the traditional New York pizza, deli sandwiches and the Coney Island hot dogs. Be sure to notice the manhole covers on the floors!

For the kids at heart, The Roller Coaster at New York-New York is sure to thrill as it screams around the front of the casino at almost 70 mph. The Coney Island Amusement Center also adds arcade games, bumper cars and laser tag.

Don't miss the Dueling Pianos at the Bar at Times Square and live entertainment in the lounges. As another city that never sleeps, there is always nightlife to be found at Nine Fine Irishmen, Coyote Ugly and ESPN Zone.

Add shops and a spa, and you don't have to ever leave New York-New York.

Paris Las Vegas - 4.5 Stars - Rates start at $180

Enter into the City of Lights at Paris Las Vegas, where guests are transported into the city of romance. When it comes to accommodations, dining, nightlife, and entertainment at this hotel-casino, Paris Las Vegas is first-class all the way!

All the details of Paris are captured in the cobblestone sidewalks and replicas of the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe. The buildings are modeled after those of true French neighborhoods, right down to the occasional "for sale" signs in the window.

Ride to the top of the Eiffel Tower and enjoy the view of the City of Lights. On the way down, stop at the world-class Eiffel Tower Restaurant where fine French cuisine is combined with all the romance of Paris.

Stroll past the flowing fountains and down the alleyways of Le Boulevard filled with boutiques and restaurants. Don't miss the entertainment of singing waiters and waitresses at Le Provencal Italian restaurant. Le Crêperie serves up entrée and desert crêpes, and Le Village Buffet gives you a variety of classic French foods.

The Mandara Spa and the rooftop pool will give you a chance to refresh after the busy day. As the most romantic city in the world, who wouldn't want to tie the knot at the Chapelle du Paradis or Chapelle du Jardin?

Anthony Cools will amaze you with his secrets of hypnosis, or relax to the sexy, topless ladies of Ooh La La. Risqué lounge offers gorgeous views of the strip from the balcony, or the tap your foot to live music at Le Cabaret show lounge.

MGM Grand - 4.5 Stars - Rates start at $205

The MGM Grand will amaze you with the glamour and excitement of shows, gourmet dining, nightlife, a soothing pool and spa. Make sure you don't miss the chance to visit the African Lion Habitat.

The MGM Grand offers a huge variety of shows from the MGM Grand's Crazy Horse Paris to the creative Cirque du Soleil's KÀ. The MGM Grand Arena hosts everything from rock concerts to championship fights.

At the MGM Grand, you will never run out of things to do. Indulging yourself at the one of a kind spa, get lost in 6.6 acres of luxurious pools, rivers and waterfalls. And of course the Lion Habitat cats are a must see.

Caesar's Palace - 4.5 Stars - Rates start at $255

Caesar's Palace is the center of attention located in the center of the strip. Five towers make up Caesars' Palace -- Forum, Roman, Centurion, Palace and Augustus - offer spacious and lavish "palace" accommodations with marble bathrooms and several additional first-class amenities.

The Augustus Tower is the newest of the towers. French Chef Guy Savoy's restaurant, three indoor wedding chapels, the Qua Baths & Spa all make their home in this tower. The spa's water theme creates an oasis of ultimate relaxation.

Pure Nightclub is one of the hippest nightlife hotspots in Las Vegas. Entertaining bartenders and shadow dancers keep the energy alive at Shadow Bar. Guests can dance atop a water-soaked barge at Cleopatra's Barge Nightclub. For something a bit more intimate, relax with a drink at the Seahorse Lounge while being mesmerized by the impressive aquarium which houses live seahorses.

The Colosseum will be host to Bette Midler and Cher beginning in 2008 and Elton John: The Red Piano at various times throughout the year. Also enjoy the Fall of Atlantis and Festival Fountain shows and Aquarium and the Exotic Cars showroom.

Mandalay Bay - 5 Stars - Rates start at $250

Mandalay Bay Resort sits at the south end of the Strip. Serving as an enchanting escape, the resort portrays elegance and excitement - everything from its restaurants and entertainment, to the sun-drenched beach. This resort is a tropical paradise, accented by fountains, sculpture, marble and flora.

The nightclub rumjungle shows off its go-go girls and a stunning wall of fire. The theatre brings audiences to their feet with smash hits such as Mamma Mia! Musical greats can be found in The House of Blues, along with traditional southern food at the Sunday Gospel Brunch. The $40 million Shark Reef houses species such as jellyfish, crocodiles, and stingrays. A must see!

Mandalay Beach gives you 11 acres of beach environment. With 3 pools, you can float down the lazy river; bodysurf waves that reach 6 feet high; or soak up the sun on the sand-and-surf beach.

Connecting Mandalay Bay to the Luxor, Mandalay Place offers forty-one upscale boutique mall shops and restaurants. You will also find relaxation at the 30,000-square-foot Spa Mandalay. With 21 treatment rooms, multiple types of massages and services are offered.

Bellagio - 5 Stars - Rates start at $299

The Bellagio offers luxurious rooms, gourmet restaurants and exclusive shopping - the epitome of quality, romance and elegance on the Las Vegas Strip.

The tree-lined pathway and reflecting lake in front of the hotel make it obvious that Bellagio pays attention to detail. The Fountains at Bellagio are world famous with the lights and choreographed music astounds onlookers as they watch the sprays of water soar into the sky.

Accommodations offer contemporary furnishings, modern amenities, and bathrooms with Italian marble floors and surfaces. Guests will find relaxation at the two-story Spa Bellagio. Café Gelato makes for the perfect spot to relax and enjoy a cool treat while overlooking the pool, reading a newspaper, or sipping coffee.

Delicacies include the world famous French taste of Le Cirque. Sensi offers Asian and Italian fare while being entertained by amazing waterfalls and carved stonewalls. Another place to enjoy fountains is Todd English's Olives. Take an afternoon break and pick up a sweet treat at the mouth watering Jean-Philippe Pâtisserie, home of the world's tallest chocolate fountain.

Five pools and four Jacuzzis are set in a Mediterranean-style. The 65,000-square-foot Spa Bellagio offers a wide variety of massages and services in its 56 treatment rooms. Ten specialty shops are located in Via Bellagio, an avenue of elite shops located within the hotel.

Venetian - 5 Stars - Rates from $300

The spirit of Venice is alive in this breathtaking mega-resort. The Venetian Resort combines the latest technology with art and culture in this European jewel. The Venetian may be as close as you'll come to visiting Venice itself.

As you enter the lobby, look to the arched ceiling to find amazingly detailed paintings. You will feel as if you have stepped into the Sistine Chapel. You can't miss the canal as it winds through the hotel with gondolas drifting along. A number of five-star restaurants, created by such culinary giants as Wolfgang Puck, Emeril Lagasse, and more are awaiting your visit.

The Canyon Ranch SpaClub is the largest spa in town. With sixty-two treatment rooms offer some of the most extensive services available.

The Venezia Tower boasts the resort's most recent addition. Offering luxury rooms with 700-square-foot suites and 130-square-foot bathrooms, you are also papered with three telephones and two 27-inch flat-screen TVs, among other luxuries.

Wynn - 5 Stars - Rates starting at $409

The most prestigious of Las Vegas hotels, Wynn provides a unique combination of nature and luxury.

Lagoons and waterfalls are scattered throughout the 217-acre resort. A curtain waterfall pouring into the 3-acre lake features a nightly light, music and multimedia show. The Tom Fazio-designed 18-hole championship golf puts you right in the middle of the beauty. Other fine amenities include dining, elite shops; an exclusive spa and nightlife are sure to complete the resort experience. Don't forget to stop by the Penske Wynn Ferrari Maserati dealership and showroom - it will amaze you!

Restaurants at the Wynn offer internationally celebrated chefs. The Buffet features 16 exhibition-cooking stations that is sure to entertain all. Serving American favorites, the Terrace Point Café never sleeps. Relax and enjoy your meal while overlooking the pools and gardens.

Shows at the Wynn include Le Rêve, an aquatic creation of Cirque Du Soleil. Also showing is Monty Python's Spamalot, a musical based on "Monty Python and the Holy Grail."

BlushandTryst nightclub is located on its own secluded lagoon with a sizeable dance floor. Gorgeous landscaping and nature surrounds the outdoor pool complex and private cabanas.

The hotel's second tower, The Encore, is expected to open in December 2008.

Now the Fun Part - Pick One!

With all that information to take in, I hope you have been able to sort through everything and narrow down your choices. Obviously, your budget will be a major factor in your decision. If you are traveling with kids, Circus Circus, Excalibur, and Treasure Island are sure to please. Circus Circus usually has the lowest rates. The bottom line is, how much time will you actually be spending in your room? If you have a strict budget for your trip, spend less on the hotel. Save that money so you have more to spend on all the attractions, dining options, and of course the slot machines. You will want to definitely visit as many hotels as possible. They will amaze you - each in their own ways. VIVA LAS VEGAS...

Three Lessons From Eat Pray Love

Like millions of women across the world, I recently saw "Eat Pray Love" with a couple of girlfriends. It was a complete estrogen fest with popcorn (too much butter, excess salt), and it was terrific. While the movie is enjoyable, the book's better (as is usually the case), but then, the book doesn't allow us to look at Javier Bardem as love interest Felipe.

But beyond the eye candy and amazing scenery, women transitioning from being part of a couple to single again can eat up the lessons to be found in this story. Those would be: engage in serious self-care, seek your Higher Power, and find your life's center or balance.

While most women cannot take off on an around-the-world trek to find herself like author Liz Gilbert did, it's possible to adopt ideas based on her amazing experience.

Serious self care The idea behind Italy, the "eat" portion of Gilbert's journey, was to simply learn to be herself. Can't fit into your jeans because too much pasta went into your mouth? No problem, get the bigger jeans. That's a freeing idea for most women. Gilbert also drank great wine, but she also drank in the beauty of Rome and sought out new friends.

When experiencing a major shift in your life, it's tempting to lock yourself away with the gelato. In fact, Gilbert describes in the book her bought with depression and anxiety during her months in Italy (this was left out of the movie).

She didn't deny herself simple pleasures, like great food and company, because that's what she needed. But don't confuse self-medicating with self-care. Again, it's about balance. The pasta, pizza and gelato provided her with comfort and the pleasure of a sated palate. Friends validated her and helped to emotionally support after a relationship ended. She became fluent in Italian, and anytime we learn a new skill, we are energized.

When you hurt, wrap yourself with the things that bring you comfort and joy, keeping in mind the healthy boundaries you should observe.

Developing your spirituality Gilbert understood that life cannot have balance without being tuned in to a Higher Power. She found her spiritual side in an ashram in India (the "pray" portion) with the help of a good friend. And when she finally learned to surrender, she made progress in her spiritual quest.

Most of us operate thinking we're in charge of the lives we created for ourselves. Wow, that's a lot of responsibility. No wonder we're tied up in knots and our inter-personal relationships are dropping like flies off an elephant's rump.

But when we get closer to our Higher Power and learn to make time regularly to pray or meditate, it eventually becomes apparent that we really aren't in charge of a whole lot! The key is to not only know this intellectually, but to demonstrate it and surrender our lives. This may look different to those of different faiths and beliefs, and it doesn't mean we sit on a hillside and wait for something marvelous to happen. We can't stop living because we are seeking something beyond this world.

Learning to pray isn't forced-as shown in the movie's scenes about meditation-but rather learned through practice. Gilbert had a mentor, her friend Richard, to help her on this spiritual sojourn. If you seem stuck and are having trouble exploring your spiritual side, consider working with a spiritual or life coach, or find a spiritual congregation where you live. However, don't expect this to be a magic pill to swallow and you'll see a vision. It's work, and you'll probably have greater success teaming with someone or a group, but the reward is inner peace and feeling like you have a place in creation.

Putting it together The best part of this story, for me, happens in Bali, and not just because of her drop-dead gorgeous Brazilian boyfriend. Gilbert, in Bali, finds her balance between loving herself and being able to love the world. Eventually, she learns to trust and love a new partner.

Compare how far she's come from the rat-race life she lived in New York to a life of abundance and service in Bali. From small acts of kindness like copying the book of spells for her medicine man friend Ketut, to building a house for her friend Wayan and daughter, Tutti.

She can appreciate and beauty of the land and people around her while she continues to meditate, but she now is less focused on herself and reaches out to others. She's opened up like a lotus blossom, and this new energy in her life is rife with possibilities.

Note how she has taken what she's learned in this journey so that she is smart about choices-remember the scene on the beach with the cute, young Aussie. This is something a lot of us forget to do. Listening to our inner spirit, whether you call it intuition or that gut feeling, for some reason is difficult for a lot of women, including me. Through practice, we do get better at it.

I have loved this story since I first read the book a couple of years ago, and I've read it over a few times when I need to hear the positive lesson that while we may have our share of heartbreak in this world, we do not come out of these valleys unchanged. That is one of the beautiful things about the life we are given by our Creator. Not even a beautiful Brazilian can top that.

CORNETTO

Comercial dos anos 80. Cornetto, ainda com a marca Gelato.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fFCkirUH5A&hl=en

Cotto & Mangiato... CIOTOLINE DI BISCOTTO

CIOTOLINE DI BISCOTTO 40 gr di burro, 40 gr di zucchero, 40 gr di farina, un bianco d'uovo, frutti di bosco e panna a piacere. Mescolare il burro sciolto con lo zucchero, unire il bianco d'uovo montato a neve e poi la farina. Spalmare il composto su una placca da forno foderata di carta forno formando dei cerchi di circa 12 cm molto sottili. Farli cuocere dai 5 ai 10 minuti a 180° in forno fino a che non saranno leggermente dorati. Estrarli dal forno e appoggiarli ancora caldi su bicchieri capovolti in modo che prendano la forma di piccole ciotoline. Appena sono induriti, girarli e riempirli a piacere. Gelato, frutta, crema pasticcera. L'IDEA IN PIU' Spolverizzate le cialdine di mandorle tritate prima di metterle in forno, saranno ottimi biscottini.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zg2HAjRLgeQ&hl=en

RIPOSSEDUTA scena cono gelato

scena cono gelato del film RIPOSSEDUTA con Leslie Nielsen



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ty3b1VixO4&hl=en

Jimmy Flynn's Pub, 'Celtic Snug' in White Rock, St.Patrick's Day

Jimmy Flynn's Pub, a Celtic Snug, located at 15065 Marine Drive West, White Rock, BC; right on ocean and seaside area Tel 604-538-8081, weekends reservations recommended for this popular newly opened neighbourhood pub. Singing the songs and honouring the St. Patrick's Day..festivities all over Marine Drive West across from the Pier. Next to Dock's and Cielo and Dolce Gelato. Jimmy Flynn's co-owners Paul McDonough and Dave Emms selected a good location for their new enterprise. Britts and Irish gather in good company; Europeans enjoy themselves in a clean and safe environment. Lunch and Guinness, beer and traditions of simple affordable chowders, soups pies and more from a functional food menu, is making our visit pleasurable. A good portion of White Rock's real, authentic and most recent, new neighbour pub and establishment for tourists and residents to flock to...this Spring is starting off with surprises for those in White Rock who are seeking alternatives for Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings; friends are friends and gather where the welcome mat is obvious and the management from the kitchen and to the entrance deliver ambience of professionalism in this convenient Celtic snug. Thank you for the opportunity to visit and celebrate with you and the many guests [the view of the ocean and White Rock marina and pier is stunning..wow. Your guide, in case you are new in town, go to www.tourismwhiterock.com



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WteEgGtcpxc&hl=en