THIS Thursday: Meet "The Bachelorette," Jillian Harris!

OK.  So, I just had a total star-struck moment.  Remember Jillian Harris, The Bachelorette's Season 5 star?  Well, I literally just got off of the phone with her...

I'll be the first to admit that I'm a die-hard Bachelor/ette fan, and Jillian Harris is my all-time favorite from the franchise!  She's adorable, smart, witty, funny and, most importantly, she's real.  So, you can imagine my overwhelming excitement when I was given the opportunity to interview Jillian about her upcoming NYC appearance for...are you ready for this...CINCO DE MAYO!  Only my most favorite holiday of the calendar year!  Seriously, could this be any more fitting?

Here's the skinny:  Extreme Makeover Home Edition designer and former Bachelorette, Jillian Harris, has partnered with Madria Sangria to help New Yorkers celebrate 'Cinco de Mayo' in style!  On Thursday, May 3rd, she'll be taking over Union Square to launch the Pop-Up Madria Sangria Fruit Stand.  And best of all?  YOU'RE INVITED!

• What:  Jillian will be offering *complimentary* bags of fresh fruit, festive party glasses, and tips on how to host a fabulous 'Cinco de Mayo' fiesta.  (The only thing left for you to do is to purchase Madria's delicious pre-made sangria!  Click here for retail locations in NYC...and beyond.)
• When:  THIS THURSDAY, May 3rd, from 12pm-2pm
• Where:  Union Square West, between 14th & 15th Streets.  *Note that the Farmer's Market is closed that day, so you won't have a hard time finding Jillian and the Pop-Up Madria Sangria Fruit Stand!
• Admission:  FREE!  Open to the public!
• P.S.:  In addition to her outstanding entertaining tips, Jillian is also open to sharing details about The Bachelorette!  Does it get better than that?  No!

Without further ado, please enjoy my Q&A with her Bachelorette majesty and entertaining goddess, Jillian Harris:

TLB (The Lunch Belle) / JH (Jillian Harris)

TLB:  Hi Jillian, thank you so much for speaking with The Lunch Belle!  I'm a huge fan. 

How did you become involved with Madria Sangria?

JH:  Hi!  It's my pleasure.  Thank you!  Well, prior to The Bachelorette, I did a lot of interior design for restaurants, so the foodie aspect was always there.  I love sangria, and enjoy experimentation with different fruits and herbs.  Madria came across one of my blog posts about sangria and, pretty much, the rest is history! 

TLB:  Speaking of experimenting, what are some of your favorite ingredients to add to sangria?

JH:  While citrus fruits are always fantastic, I love to utilize seasonal ingredients, local fruits, and herbs.  Pomegranates are amazing in the winter, for example.  Whatever is available at the farmer's market is always ideal.

TLB:  Yum!  Thank you.  What other tips can you give us?

JH:  When hosting, it's really fun to arrange a "make your own sangria bar," and offer select fruits for your guests to experiment with.  Additionally, you can freeze your fruits of choice and use them in place of ice cubes (in the sangria).  Serve the frozen fruits in mason jars.

TLB:  Um, that's probably the coolest entertaining tip ever!  Frozen fruit in mason jars to be used in place of ice cubes?  Unbelievable.  I love it!  Plus, who wants their sangria to get all watered down with ice, anyways?  Blech, not me!

TLB:  I'm getting so excited!  Now, tell me how we'll be able to spot you/the Pop-Up on Thursday?  Should we look for a specific color?

JH:  (Giggling)  Actually, I will be wearing a fluorescent yellow blazer, so there shouldn't be too much of a problem spotting me!

~

The whole time I was speaking with her, I thought, Wow, I would love to have Jillian in my circle of friends!  Look, I've had the honor and privilege of chatting with quite a few celebs and famous chefs, but I don't think I've genuinely clicked with anyone quite like I did with Jillian.  She's truly fantastic!  

I sure hope that you all get a chance to meet Jillian in Union Square on Thursday!  If so, I want to hear all about it!  I'm telling you, she's the best! 

~~~

Until we eat again,

The Lunch Belle