Before beginning our Friday Happy Hour festivities, I want to acknowledge the passing of one of our former clients, Ted Turner. I first met Ted in Philadelphia, dock side of the USS United States. This ship was once the flagship of America’s Trans-Atlantic travel. Ted was considering buying the ship and converting it into a temporary hotel for the Olympics.
 
For me, going through the ship was quite a thrill. When my brother and I were kids, we had posters of both the America and the United States hanging on the walls of our bedrooms. My aspiration was to take the fastest steamer in the world and travel to Europe—what a thrill it would have been.
 
It was also quite an experience to meet Ted, walk the ship with him and talk about the wonderful world of food that we both shared. But, alas, both the inside and outside of the ship were very badly depreciated. The years had taken a toll on the “old lady.” I think the last straw for Ted for this innovative business venture was the infestation of rats the size of chihuahuas baring their teeth as we cautiously walked through the ship.
 
Ted was a trailblazer with all his business ventures—CNN, a world class advertising empire, Ted’s Restaurants and the largest single real estate holder in the United States. It was an honor to have spent the better part of the day with him and sum up our thoughts at dinner. While the relationship was short lived it made a lifelong impression on me.
 
So, here’s a happy hour toast to you, Ted. God rest your soul and peace be with you.
 
Now, on to today's cocktail! The Parlez-Vous Frenchie! cocktail is an original recipe from some little cocktail lounge in Paris. It is special for Mother’s Day. To make this refreshing, three-part drink, simply combine the gin with St-Germain elderflower liqueur and fresh grapefruit juice.
 
Floral St-Germain, which is made in France from hand-picked elderflower blossoms, is a natural complement to gin’s strong, botanical base. The same can be said for grapefruit juice. The tart fruit works wonders with the juniper and citrus notes in gin—just think about a Salty Dog.
 
Different gins will produce slightly different versions of the drink (my preference is for Hendrick’s). Something softer with a more modern flavor profile will take a backseat to the grapefruit and St-Germain, while a juniper-forward London Dry Gin will stand up tall in the cocktail. So, if you want to taste the gin, you can’t go wrong with a classic London Dry.
 
With its gorgeous pink hue and easy-to-make recipe, the Parlez-Vous Frenchie! is a prime candidate for Mother’s Day and other occasions, but those occasions don’t need to be relegated to the evening. The fresh grapefruit juice makes this cocktail a perfect accompaniment to brunch. And, as we all know, there’s no better way to start your morning than with a tall glass of grapefruit juice... spiked with gin. Here's to you, Mom!
 
Ingredients
2 ounces gin (I prefer Hendrick’s)
1/2 ounce St-Germain
2-1/2 ounces freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
Garnish with a pink grapefruit wedge
 
Directions

1. Read the recipe all the way through before starting. Measure all ingredients and have at your side.
2. Add the gin, St-Germain and grapefruit juice to a shaker with ice and shake it like you mean it until well-chilled and frosty.
3. Strain into a highball glass filled with fresh ice.
4. Garnish with a grapefruit wedge.

It’s simple, citrusy perfection!
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ChefSecret: For a really great start on a chilled cocktail, store the gin in the freezer.
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Quip of the Day:  I was feeling great. It must be gin-spirational today.
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Do you have a question or comment? Send your thoughts to [email protected]. All recipes and cooking tips are posted on our website https://www.perspectives-la.com/perspectives-on-food.
 
We also have 1,000 archived Covid Era recipes that you can easily access using this link https://www.perspectives-la.com/Covid-19-Survival-Guide. Use the search box above our pictures to find what you’re looking for.
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To you and everyone dear to you, be strong, be positive, stay well and be kind. No matter which side of the aisle you reside, please say a prayer for the U.S. men and women in uniform who protect this nation every day. And if you have a little extra to share with others, please consider donating to Feeding America, Tunnel to Towers, Union Rescue Mission, Samaritan’s Purse and/or American Red Cross.

#Cocktail #HappyHour2026 #Parlez-VousCocktail #Gin #SaintGermain #ElderflowerLiqueur #GrapefruitJuice #RIPTedTurner #MothersDay #ToastToMom #Cheers2026 #Cheers #Recipes2026 #URM #T2T #FeedingAmerica #RedCross #SamaritansPurse #PerspectivesTheConsultingGroup 

                                                                              ©PERSPECTIVES/The Consulting Group, LLC, 2026

How you doin’? At its heart, Chicken Scarpariello is a braised dish, relying on low and slow cooking to tenderize the chicken and develop deep, complex flavors. The cooking process typically involves browning the chicken with or without sausage, then building the sauce with aromatic vegetables like onions and garlic.
 
The addition of vinegar is essential, providing the dish with its signature tang which also acts as a tenderizer. White wine is often used, contributing both acidity and sweetness. Herbs like rosemary, oregano and thyme are essential for adding depth and complexity.
 
The peppers, both sweet and spicy, add a vibrant visual appeal and add layers and layers of flavor. The dish is finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and sometimes a drizzle of olive oil.
 
While its exact origins are debated, Chicken Scarpariello is considered an Italian American creation, likely originating in the Little Italy neighborhoods of major U.S. cities like New York. The name “Scarpariello” roughly translates to “shoemaker’s style,” hinting at its simple, rustic origins. The dish was likely a way for shoemakers and other craftsmen to use leftover ingredients, creating a hearty and flavorful meal that was both affordable and satisfying. Over time, variations emerged, incorporating different peppers (sweet and hot), potatoes, and even mushrooms, but the core components of chicken, sausage, peppers, and a tangy sauce remain consistent.
 
Prep time:  15 minutes
Cook time:  20 minutes
Yield:  2 servings
 
Ingredients 
1-1/4 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast halves or thighs
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons butter
2 sweet Italian sausage links, cut into 1/2" coins (optional)
2 tablespoons minced shallots
2 tablespoon minced cloves garlic
1/2 cup sliced red bell peppers strips
1/2 cup white wine
1-1/2 cup chicken stock
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoon dried crushed rosemary
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 pinch ground black pepper
1 tablespoon chopped Italian or flat parsley for garnish
1/2 extra virgin olive oil for garnish
 
Directions

1. Read the recipe all the way through before starting. Measure all ingredients and have at your side.
2. Cut the chicken breasts or thighs into 1 x 3-inch strips and dredge in flour.
3. In a 10-inch skillet, heat the oil and butter.
4. Add the chicken. Cook, turning occasionally, until lightly browned on all sides, about 3 to 4 minutes.
5. Using the tongs, remove chicken from the skillet. Set aside and keep warm.
6. If including the Italian sausage, add it to the pan now and brown on each side for about 2-3 minutes. Remove the sausage; set aside and keep warm with the chicken. 
7. In the same skillet, add the shallots, garlic and red peppers and sauté until softened, about 1 minute.
8. Add the wine, chicken stock, vinegar and all the seasonings. Mix well.
9. Cook, stirring frequently, until the liquid is reduced by half, about 3 to 4 minutes.
10. Return the chicken (and Italian sausage) to the skillet and cook until sauce is thick and chicken is heated through, about 2 to 3 minutes.
11. Serve over angel hair pasta or white rice.

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ChefSecret:  You can dress it up a notch by adding sliced sweet Italian sausage, diced Yukan potatoes and/or brown sliced mushrooms.
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Quip of the Day:  Q. Why don’t Italians argue during dinner? A. Because you can’t use your hands and shout with a mouth full of pasta.
 
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Do you have a question or comment? Send your thoughts to [email protected]. All recipes and cooking tips are posted on our website https://www.perspectives-la.com/perspectives-on-food
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To you and everyone dear to you, be strong, positive, kind, thankful, and stay well and safe. Take a breath and count your blessings, and if you have a little extra to share with others, please consider donating to Feeding America, Tunnel to Towers, Union Rescue Mission, Samaritan’s Purse and/or American Red Cross.

#Entrees #Dinner #Scarpariello #BraisedChicken #ItalianDinner #Chicken #ItalianSausage #ShoemakersStyle #Recipes2026 #URM #T2T #FeedingAmerica #ThreeSquare #RedCross #SamaritansPurse #PerspectivesTheConsultingGroup 
 
                                                                           ©PERSPECTIVES/The Consulting Group, LLC, 2026

How you doin’? We are getting into county fair time around the country. Joan and I love county fairs, especially for the crazy food and gadgets. The kitchen gadget guys are always johnny-on-the-spot with a wide array of gizmos you never knew you needed. But I digress…
 
The first food we look for is the cinnamon roll truck. The two of us have a passion for great cinnamon rolls. You can smell the good ones when you first go through the county fair gates.
 
Mother’s Day is next Sunday, and I want to share our love of cinnamon rolls so all of you and your mothers can have the great cinnamon roll experience without all the fuss. I always gets a ton of compliments and recipe requests when I bring my Mother’s Day Cinnamon Roll Cake home or to outside gatherings.
 
Here’s the best thing… you can bake up these soft rolls in a 9 X 13-inch pan — no rolling, proofing or shaping required. Everyone raves about the cinnamon topping texture that's uniquely gooey and aromatic. This is a fantastic recipe the whole family will love, including every mom in the world.
 
Prep time:  25 minutes
Bake time:  25-30 minutes
Yield: 1 (9x13-inch cake) 12 servings
 
Ingredients 
For the white cake layer
3 cups all-purpose flour
1-1/2 cups whole milk
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
4 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 cup melted butter

For the cinnamon layer
1 cup softened butter
1 cup dark brown sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
 
For the glaze
2 cups confectioner’s sugar
5 tablespoons whole milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
 
Directions

1. Read the recipe all the way through before starting. Measure all ingredients and have at your side.
2. Preheat an oven to 350° F.
3. Grease or spray or a 9 X 13-inch baking pan.

To make the white cake layer

1. Mix 3 cups of flour, 1-1/2 cups milk, white sugar, eggs, baking powder, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract and salt together in a large bowl until well-combined.
2. Stir in 1/4 cup melted butter.
3. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.

To make the cinnamon layer & bake

1. Beat 1 cup softened butter, brown sugar, 2 tablespoons flour and cinnamon together in a large bowl until smooth.
2. Spread the cinnamon layer over the cake batter in the baking pan.
3. Bake the cake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out nearly clean, 25 to 30 minutes.

To make the glaze

1. Mix confectioners' sugar, milk, and 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract in a large bowl until smooth.
2. Drizzle the glaze over the warm Mother’s Day Cinnamon Roll Cake.
3. Cut and serve warm.

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ChefSecret: It only takes a minute to make this cinnamon roll cake look really cool.  Take a sharp knife and run it through the cake right before baking to give it a cinnamon roll swirl.
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Quip of the Day:  Q. What did the cinnamon roll say to the cup of coffee?  A. I’m really starting to feel the heat between us!
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Do you have a question or comment? Send your thoughts to [email protected]. All recipes and cooking tips are posted on our website https://www.perspectives-la.com/perspectives-on-food.
 
We also have 1,000 archived Covid Era recipes that you can easily access using this link https://www.perspectives-la.com/Covid-19-Survival-Guide. Use the search box above our pictures to find what you’re looking for.
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To you and everyone dear to you, be strong, be positive, stay well and be kind. No matter which side of the aisle you reside, please say a prayer for the U.S. men and women in uniform who protect this nation every day.
#Baking #MothersDayCinnamonRollCoffeeCake #CinnamonRollCoffeeCake #EasyCoffeeCake #HappyMothersDay #Recipes2026 #URM #T2T #FeedingAmerica #ThreeSquare #RedCross #SamaritansPurse #PerspectivesTheConsultingGroup 
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                                                                                     ©PERSPECTIVES/The Consulting Group, LLC, 2026

How you doin’? Let me tell you about a fun cocktail I recently discovered—April Showers… it brings May flowers and other happy moments.
 
Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que is a chain of BBQ restaurants in California and one I know of in Henderson, Neveda. They have pretty good smoked meats and some very innovative salads, most using a variety of their smoked meats.
 
Last week when we were at a lunch meeting there, I saw them promoting a new cocktail—April Showers! It is made with Saint-Germain Elderflower Liqueur (my favorite liqueur), Hendricks Gin (my favorite gin) and a fresh sour mix, all shaken until cold and served in a coupe or martini glass with a splash of sparkling wine. With all these favorites, what could go wrong? Nothing!! Don’t forget the mint sprig garnish.
 
Yes, I know it’s no longer April, but as the calendar starts to move us from warm spring to a hot summer, my version of April Showers is the perfect refreshing cocktail served for lunch or dinner—BBQ or even a fancier French dinner.
 
Prep time:  5 minutes
Yield:  1 cocktail
 
Ingredients 
1-1/2 ounces chilled gin (I prefer Hendricks)
1/2 ounce elderflower liqueur (I prefer Saint-Germain)
1 ounce sour mix
2 ounces sparkling white wine, or more to your taste
1 mint sprig
 
Directions

1. Read the recipe all the way through before starting. Measure all ingredients and have at your side.
2. Starting with a chilled bar shaker half filled with ice, add the gin, elderflower liqueur and the sour mix.
3. Shake it until it frosty cold.
4. Strain the chilled cocktail into a chilled, coupe cocktail glass.
5. Top with sparkling wine.
6. Garnish with a mint sprig.

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ChefSecret:  Sour mix is a non-alcoholic drink mixer used to provide a set mix of acidic and sweet components to cocktails. My traditional recipe consists of equal parts lemon and/or lime juice mixed with simple syrup. I don’t like to use  prepackaged commercial varieties as they can vary and often contain artificial flavors, colors and/or preservatives.
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Quip of the Day:  Q. What did the dirt say to the rain? A. You’d better cut it out, or my name will be mud! 
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Do you have a question or comment? Send your thoughts to [email protected]. All recipes and cooking tips are posted on our website https://www.perspectives-la.com/perspectives-on-food.
 
We also have 1,000 archived Covid Era recipes that you can easily access using this link https://www.perspectives-la.com/Covid-19-Survival-Guide. Use the search box above our pictures to find what you’re looking for.
-------------------------------------------
To you and everyone dear to you, be strong, be positive, stay well and be kind. No matter which side of the aisle you reside, please say a prayer for the U.S. men and women in uniform who protect this nation every day.

#Cocktail #HappyHour2026 #AprilShowersCocktail #Gin #SaintGermain #ElderflowerLiqueur #SparklingWine #Cheers2026 #Cheers #Recipes2026 #URM #T2T #FeedingAmerica #RedCross #SamaritansPurse #PerspectivesTheConsultingGroup 

                                                                                                                   ©PERSPECTIVES/The Consulting Group, LLC, 2026