Patio Fiesta

This week Cinco de Mayo will be celebrated worldwide honoring Mexican heritage; marking the defeat of the French Army after invading the Americas. But believe it or not, this commemorative holiday is celebrated by more people in California than Mexico. And, many festive ways are used to mark the occasion beyond cervesa and tequila. Dances and music mark the occasion to preserve & educate the public of its historical significance and culture.

Make any day a fiesta on your patio with a few easy steps and don’t be afraid to use vibrant colors. There is more to having fun than hanging a piñata!

-       Use terra cotta planters filled with pants such as begonias, dahlias, begonias, nasturtiums, and sunflowers

-       Cushions, throws, tablecloths, and napkins of hot yellow, turquoise green, and burnt orange

-       Set flower pots on tables with traditional herbs used in Mexican cooking like Cilantro, oregano, and peppermint

-       Serve foods and beverages on plates and glassware with bold bright colors

-       Hang out door lighting for mood

-       Turn up the volume and spin Maraichi and Latin music

-       Set up a hot sauce and salsa station

Get recipes for patio entertaining:

George Hirsch patio Entertaining from GHL
13 EPISODES on 4 HD-DVD Disk Set, season one
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13 EPISODES on 4 HD-DVD Disk Set, season one
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AS SEEN ON PUBLIC TELEVISION & CREATE TV- SEASON ONE
FEATURING CHEF GEORGE HIRSCH DEMONSTRATING HIS SAVORY COOKING, BAKING AND GRILLING RECIPES; WITH HIS EXPERT CULINARY TIPS & TECHNIQUES, ALONG WITH VISITS TO HIS INSPIRING HAMPTON LOCATIONS.

Sweet Peach Chutney

It was the love for making good chutney that paved the way for the husband and wife team who founded the Virginia Chutney Co., which is now a family affair. Virginia Chutney is located in the heart of Ameria's chutney eating country, where peaches are a-plenty and the chutney tradition has been a staple in every cupboard since English settlement. The tradition has expanded in popularity beyond the south over the past few years with the resurgence of culinary cottage industries popping up and spreading the good word about the pleasureable benefits of good condiments like homemade jams, pickles and chutneys. 

Sweet Peach Chutney: The perfect blend of sweet and savory. This incredibly versatile blend of peaches, apples, and raisins with brown sugar, ginger and apple cider vinegar from the Virginia Chutney Company is delicious and refreshing, and a great addition to curries, ham, chicken and cheeses. 


Vintage, Old Farm

La Vieille Ferme, literally translates 'old farm'. The vines of a Vieille Ferme are growing on the southern side of the slopes of Mont Ventoux; the location which you immediately think, ahh the Tour de France. Both the vines and tour bikers require strength to contend with the heat and the fierce winds of that region which creates winning wines and champions.

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This is a good pouring red wine, very drinkable medium weight for lunch or dinner, and for any occasion. There is also a great story here, twenty-five years in the making. 

Pair with my Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Honey Pork Sauce Recipe

Grilled Pork Tenderloin as seen on George Hirsch Lifestyle

Front Runner

As April winds down—let's look ahead to May, it's a busy month for celebrating. This is what's on the celebration calendar: there's Cinco de Mayo neck-n-neck this weekend with the 141st running of the Kentucky Derby—the popular Benedictine Sandwich as the front runner; before wrapping up the following Sunday with the grand finale, Mother's Day. 

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To keep your entertaining true to form, here's a traditional Derby Day classic, invented by Jennie Benedict in the 19th century, The Benedictine Sandwich. This sandwich is to Churchill Downs as the Pimento Sandwich is to the Masters; and is one that John Montagu (The 4th Earl of Sandwich) would still be proud to eat.

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To Make a Benedictine Sandwich:

In a food processor - mix 1 package softened cream cheese with 2 Tablespoons finely chopped watercress, 1/4 of a finely chopped Vidalia onion, 2 Tablespoons of olive oil mayo, a shot of hot sauce, and a pinch of sea salt. Pulse all ingredients until just blended smooth. Fold in 1 large peeled, seeded and finely chopped English cucumber. Spread cuke filling on thinly sliced white sandwich bread. Trim crusts, if desired. 

Wash down with a cool Mint Julep!

My Mint Julep Recipe

It's easy to make with only four ingredients; Bourbon Whiskey, mint, crushed ice and sugar. Simply muddle/pestle the sugar and mint; to release the oils in the mint, Add ice to top off highball glass, top with Bourbon. Traditionally served in silver cup with a straw. Hat, optional.

BTW: Each year, almost 120,000 Early Times Mint Juleps are served over the two-day period of Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby weekend at Churchill Downs Racetrack.

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