Author Archives for Kristen Nweeia

Xai Xai - South African Wine Bar in NYC


At the end of October 2007, a unique and fun wine bar opened in the Hell’s Kitchen section of New York City. Xai Xai (pronounced shy-shy) is a genuine treat for New World wine lovers and those interested in sampling South African food. The first of its kind, Xai Xai is the […]

Cava Bistro, Downtown Houston, TX


Enigmatic isn’t a word often utilized to describe a restaurant, yet, I cannot think of a better descriptive for Cava Bistro, a cozy restaurant situated in downtown Houston, Texas. Unlike most, it isn’t entirely clear what type of cuisine this restaurant means to be serving. More than one local recommendation deems the […]

Cha-An, Authentic Japanese Tea House


A great dining experience can feel transporting. The decor and mostly Japanese staff of Cha An Tea House and Restaurant in New York City nearly fooled my brain into thinking I’d traveled to a part of Asia without ever hopping on a plane. The ambiance was warm and serene, hospitable to socializing with […]

Houlihan’s Opens in Danbury, CT


It isn’t often that a chain restaurant lures me in, but the new Houlihan’s restaurant in Danbury, Connecticut has done just that. Think you know Houlihan’s and that all are the same? Think again. This is a far cry from the Houlihan’s of my youth.
Immediately upon stepping in the front doors the difference becomes apparent. […]

It’s Honey Season


May marks the start of honey season in many parts of the world. In effort to educate and entertain, many organizations host classes and presentations on this delectable golden liquid. Please be sure to check the end of this post for more information.
Honey is one of the first foods utilized by mankind for nutrition and […]

Restaurant Visit: Prespa in Danbury, Connecticut


Certain restaurant environments that create an instantly warm and exciting impression with patrons; Prespa, a new continental restaurant in Danbury, Connecticut is one such establishment. Set back from the road, with an exterior facade reminiscent of a commercial office building, Prespa is something of a treasure awaiting its unveiling. The front doors lead to a […]

Eating Well, The Saint-Tropez Way


The Saint-Tropez lifestyle isn’t just for the rich and famous. Certain pleasures offered by the beautiful coastal town located in France’s intoxicating Cote d’Azur (blue coast) can be enjoyed at home thanks to Apostolos Pappas, PhD and Marie-Annick Courtier, authors of The Saint-Tropez Diet. The pleasures I am referring to involve gourmet food […]

Never Eat Alone with Meetup.com


Regardless of whether you have any friends, whether you are new to town and don’t know a soul or whether you have such extreme dining preferences that nobody wants to dine with you, you never have to eat alone again. Thanks to Meetup.com people all around major cities are finding opportunities to dine out within […]

Kristen Nweeia

Kristen “Kiki’ Nweeia is a gourmet food professional based in Connecticut and New York City. She is owner of Splendid Palate, a gourmet business specializing in importing and distributing French food products and gifts. Ms. Nweeia is considered an authority on French food and French lavender products within the United States and maintains a French Food and Lavender blog. She is the founder and organizer of Tea Tour NY, a tea group and blog geared toward exploring tea spots in and around New York City. Tea Tour NY provides a hands-on approach to enjoying and learning about tea and related cultures in a fun and interactive environment. Ms. Nweeia has been drinking tea for twenty years and draws from professional tea experience gained while working for Harney and Sons Master Tea Blenders. As a result of her tea group and tasting experience, businesses regularly contact Ms. Nweeia to request reviews of their tea products. She is a member of local and international culinary organizations and has studied food journalism at the French Culinary Institute under the guidance of the esteemed food critic Alan Richman.