There’s a mermaid in my kitchen. I love this wacky holiday. Happy Halloween all. What are you all up to this fall weekend? We’re hightailing it out of dodge, straight to a cabin in the woods with some pals. Should be fun and maybe a bit spooky too.
Lots of fun things swirling in the air. My favorite shop in town is hosting their annual Holiday unveiling next week and I am one of their Gift Guiders, picking out a few choice things for the Host in your life. If you live in the DMV, pop by Red Barn Mercantile on November 6th from 6-9pm for the party and get a load of Amy Rutherford’s beautiful shop- one of the best edited little shops around, I always want everything in there.
And lastly, we are slowly but surely making our way through Ken Burns’ The Roosevelts. Are you all watching this? It is endlessly fascinating, particularly the FDR chapters. And looking forward to HBO’s Olive Kitteridge this weekend starring the one and only Ms. McDormand. Loved the book, curious to see how it translates to a miniseries.
A Few Things:
This just makes me feel old. Trying to play that down and be #casual about it, but truthfully it’s not really Normcore. What the what? And “Quiche”?, I’m not really buying that one, reminds me of “Fetch” from Mean Girls.
Make candles out of your mini pumpkins and get some delicious seeds for roasting while you’re at it. This one is suitable for the craft-challenged Martha wannabees out there, like me.
Have you seen the Matthew McConaughey car ads? These Jim Carrey parody ads from SNL are pretty hilarious.
Follow my talented friend Rashmi as she documents her family meals and recipes. She’s cataloging to make a recipe book for her girls and I’m loving her beautiful and stark photos. Find her recipe photos at #rashmicooks. All this AND she makes a mean Lionel Richie Jack-o-lantern. My kind of girl.
I love this - made from the fruits of an autumn stroll- a good little craft for the kiddos.
This skirt. I wish they made it in my size, had to get it for the girl.
If I were throwing a Halloween bash tonight, I would definitely be serving up this cocktail.
Halloween just wouldn’t be Halloween without the nostalgic annual viewing of this 1980s PBS filmstrip to “Danse Macabre”. We used to watch this every year in elementary school music class. I was always (and still am) completely fixated by this filmstrip as dated as it is, that’s part of its charm.
That piece of California coastline just north of San Francisco and south of Mendocino- its mystique has called to filmmakers, foodies, seafarers, writers and travelers alike for ages, and I finally had the perfect opportunity to see (and taste) for myself just what all the hubbub is about. I recently spent the day in Sonoma working on a winemaking story with photographer, Amy Dickerson. On the way up, we decided to make a few pit stops to investigate, explore and well… eat- let’s be honest. In truth, two of my stops had been a long time coming, sitting on my personal Hit List for years- a pilgrimage to The Birds‘ Bodega Bay, and an authentic California coastal oyster adventure- knocking off two birds with one stone. Boom. I love it when that happens.
This fog-filled and rocky coastline is dramatic, a bit eerie (thank you Mr. Hitchcock) and seductive without being overt about it. It’s more Adele than Minaj, if you will- it’s not really in your face but it lingers. Its landscape is still Mother Nature totally showing off, just not quite as dramatically as she does a bit farther south, but somehow its call is even stronger. California coastline aside, I knew oysters were responsible for some of the enticement as well, but had yet to try them in their hometown, and as a sucker for anything Hitchcockian, the cinematic backdrop of Bodega Bay is a must stop. Beachside at Bodega Bay.
Finding last minute lodging during the harvest in Sonoma County proved to be impossible, and Amy and I were forced to board outside of wine country proper. Ding- a light bulb- this is it, my chance to visit Bodega Bay- Tippi is calling. And on the way up just happens to be the tiny town of Marshall, California host to two of the most famous oyster joints in the country. Also a sucker (quite literally) for oysters, the idea that the twain shall meet had me pretty pumped.
Touchdown at SFO, car rented and off and over the Bay Bridge we went. Making our way up the coast, we decided to really pack it all in and include a third pilgrimage making this a complete trifecta, a trinity if you will of all things food and film fantastic. First stop: the cheese mecca that is Cowgirl Creamery in charming Point Reyes Station. Just under an hour and a half from the airport in this quaint little town sits the Cowgirl cheese factory and shop where the goodness began. As I stepped out of our rental, I could instantly smell the salt air- oh hello California coast, how happy you make me. We made our way in to the Creamery and embarked on a mini tasting. Choosing a few Cowgirl hallmarks, namely the Red Hawk, Mt. Tam and Fromage Blanc (which is insanely good with blueberry jam on a baguette) and an other-worldly stinky cheese from the local town of Nicasio, we picked up some freshly baked bread and continued our journey up the coast.
Where the magic happens at Cowgirl Creamery in Point Reyes Station.
Next stop: the oyster mecca that is Marshall, just ten twisty miles north of Pt. Reyes. This little area is one for the books and the photo albums- an absolute dream and a must for anyone that loves a coastline and an oyster- not exactly a tough bill to fill. But even if you don’t love oysters, be sure to make a pit stop in Marshall, but be on the lookout, blink and you’ll miss it. Scenic beyond belief, its natural and rugged beauty begs for a glass of sparkling wine just to celebrate its existence. There are lots of little local seafood shacks around these parts, but the two most famous for its oysters are Tomales Bay Oyster Co. and Hog Island Oyster Co.
We made our first stop at Tomales Bay’s self-shucking picnic spot. Talk about ambience. It is all at once rustic and rugged, charming, quaint and drop dead gorgeous, nestled on the shell-filled shores of Tomales Bay where a quick whiff brings in the perfume of fresh salty air and charring oysters on the grill. We wanted a look-see but I won’t lie, I’m no shucker. This place is for pros, you can borrow the staff’s knives to shuck, but you need to come armed with vino and anything else you want to nosh on. They are serious about the rules here, the grills are solely for the oysters, no meat please, and if you are down for this sort of adventure, I cannot imagine a better spot in the world. Just pony up to the counter to purchase your bivalves and set yourself up. We weren’t prepared with a picnic, so we made like Clark Griswald taking in the Grand Canyon, and promptly took off for Hog Island Oyster Co. After traveling all day, we couldn’t wait to sit down with some great vino and devour our already shucked oysters. Tomales Bay Oyster Co. also owns the Marshall Store where you don’t have to work for your dinner, but Hog Island was calling our name.
The picturesque picnic grounds at Tomales Bay Oyster Co.
Next stop: Hog Island Oyster Co.- cue the harkening angel chorus and spotlight. This little spot sits on a half moon-sized piece of land that lies just over the rocks and shells leading down to the bay, where fisherman are literally docking their small boats and heading up to shore with their daily catch in tow. The setting resembles a more rugged Cabot Cove and I felt a little like Jessica Fletcher, minus the murders, but full of the intrigue, curiosity and investigation. The people are friendly and everybody there- staff and patrons alike- clearly knows how to have a good time. This is the good life, folks. Saddle up to the big boat that doubles as the Oyster bar and order up both the raw and Chipotle-Bourbon BBQ oysters (oh my Gawd! -and this from a girl who always prefers her bivalves plain and simply raw), a few glasses of Iron Horse’s Wedding Cuvee’s Sparkling Wine (when in Rome, er, the Sonoma Coast) and prepare to be viscerally impressed.
The view from Hog Island Oyster Co.’s picnic tables.
The Marshall outpost is the Hog Island homebase that has spurred the San Francisco and Napa outposts where locals and tourists alike regularly line up around the block to sample the goods. Fresh from the source, here’s why…
Raw oysters, Chipotle Bourbon BBQ Oysters and a glass of Muscadet- heaven.
We arrived at Hog’s Island around 4pm, a little before they make last call, and were lucky to snag the last picnic table and get in a few rounds of oysters and drinks before we were politely called out as the last diners standing (or sitting in our case), and very nicely asked to promptly get our show on the road, but not before making fast friends with the locals and finding out the history behind Hog Island itself.- The eucalyptus tree-filled island sits in the middle of Tomales Bay. It briefly housed hundreds of pigs as a result of a bizarre incident in the 1870s, when the barge the pigs were traveling on collapsed. There are no pigs on the island now, it’s nothing but a pretty piece of rock as it has been donated to the Point Reyes National Seashore. After much ogling and “mmmm”-ing, in this perfect little picturesque movie set-looking cove, we finally dragged ourselves away from its beauty, plumper in the belly and leaner in the wallet (it ain’t cheap here, but for my money, the quality of the food, the wine and the view are well worth the price) to trade in for yet another magnificent bay still farther north.
A foghorn bell sounds in the distance here at Bodega Bay.
Last Stop: Bodega Bay, 22 miles north of Marshall. Driving up the meandering coastline as it winds its way north, the fog seems to settle in a bit lower, creating even more of a mystique around this Marine-layered coastline. That delicious fog is what makes those inland grapes so good, and what makes this patch of real estate so interesting, and dare I say a tad bit spooky. Maybe it’s just the images of “The Birds” I have forever emblazoned on my mind. Probably. As we drove up to the Bodega Bay Lodge, the eeriness quickly stepped aside to make way for a more welcoming personality. A beautiful and picture perfect lodge perched atop a bluff overlooking Bodega Bay, this place boasts sweeping waterfront views and is altogether dreamy. The rooms itself are fine and if not unique, they are simple and pretty, but the actual property is the thing here. Each room delivers a swoonful view, complete with fog bell sound effect in the distance. On property is an open-air pool with killer views, and a luxe little spa to boot, where we each had a yummy Cabernet Scrub and Hot Stone massage that lulled us both into dream-like states. Oh yeah. We ponied up to the Fireside Lounge that was hopping on this weekend eve, grabbed a few glasses of local Pinot and popped a squat around the outdoor fire pit. And… scene- day and dream complete.
Morning coffee on the terrace at Bodega Bay Lodge.
The next morning called for some Hitchock-inspired adventures. Hair up, sunglasses donned, I prepared to channel my best Tippi through the quaint little towns of Bodega and Bodega Bay. Bodega Bay is the little village that sits around the Bay, and a few miles south and one mile inland is the town of Bodega where the iconic schoolhouse and chapel sit. Bodega is about two blocks long and again, looks just like a movie set. No wonder Hitchcock chose this locale for his thriller, it was made for the movies. A quick and shameless obligatory selfie outside the chapel and schoolhouse, and we were on to the Roadhouse Cafe in Bodega Bay where the locals hold court.
had to
The coffee situation at Roadhouse is top notch. I had a nutty tart that was a little piece of heaven, Tippi approves as her headshot proudly hangs on the cafe wall. After a quick drive around Bodega Bay to see just exactly where the Hitchcock blonde stiffly sat in that rowboat with her tightly fastened updo, slowly and silently making her way across the Bay to the bird-filled town, we ducked into Diekmann’s Bay- a colorful little grocery store worth a trip inside if even just to use the ATM and grab a bottle of water.
Tippi has clearly made the rounds with signed publicity stills appearing all over town.
For a stellar dining option, Bodega Bay is now the proud host of a Michelin-starred restaurant, Terrapin Creek Cafe. The locals clearly love this place as it is unassuming and casual with exceptional food to boot, but the out-of-towners are the ones that make Terrapin tick. Owned and operated by a husband and wife team, Andrew Truong and Liya Lin, the cafe is booked solid on the weekends. We didn’t have a chance to dine at Terrapin but I’m a firm believer in always leaving something to return to.
Tippi may have used this bayside path to board her little rowboat. Heels are not recommended but if you’re a Hitchcock blonde, they’re kind of a must.
For all its charms, the seaside and rugged coastline are what people really flock to this part of the world for- the excellent food is a bonus. This little part of the coast is both haunting (again- thank you Sir Alfred) and calming. I overheard a few RV trippers talking about the boat trip they had taken the day before. “We chartered a 22 foot boat and spotted a 21 foot Great White, I mean he was nearly as big as the boat.” That quote kind of sums it all up for me. Maybe they did see a shark as big as their boat or maybe there’s just something about this beautifully dramatic part of the world that heightens the senses and calls for a tall tale or two. Cue the fog bell, it’s all so perfectly cinematic.
Hike: Point Reyes National Seashore: great trails- long and short all throughout the Point Reyes National Seashore. You may spot a sea otter or two if you’re lucky. Bodega Bay: beautiful walking paths all along the dunes and the seashore, great for bird watching, picnicking and taking in the salt air.
In the words of L.L. Cool J, “I’m going back to Cali”- even if it is just for 48 hours. I have been California dreaming for, well… forever really. I’ve always fancied myself a California girl, though I’m really much more of an East Coast gal, the Golden State has my heart. In my early twenties, I lived in LaLa Land for a few winsome years and always find myself harkening back to those glory days of unbelievable scenic and inspiring spontaneous road trips peppered with great food, wine and that only-in-Cali laid-back lifestyle. Of course, my regular day to day was not so swoonful, as it most always involved me feeling like I might as well be in an armored suit at my driving wheel as I fought the ongoing battle of LA traffic for what felt like (and I think was in fact) hours at a time, traversing over canyons, trying to make the left turn light and sitting still on freeways for eons. I mean let’s be real. But oh California- despite your cluttered congestion, how I miss you so. I wish you weren’t so far away but as I write from my window seat on one of Sir Richard Branson’s airliners peeking at the rugged mountains subtly forming and growing taller and taller with each passing minute, California-here I come, right back where I (sort of) started from.
I’m venturing out west not just for fun (though it undoubtedly will involve lots of that), but for an exciting story that I am working on with my talented photographer friend, Amy Dickerson. It involves vino as you might guess, and is shaping up to be an adventurous , colorful and action-packed weekend. We are due to hit the heart of Sonoma Valley at the peak of the crush, I cannot wait to see, smell and taste those grapes. I am looking forward to sharing the details once we have sussed them all out. I am also chomping at the bit to get me a piece of that California coastline and because of the harvest (despite the recent earthquake), we couldn’t actually find any lodging remotely affordable, or really even at all in wine country proper so much to my delight, we will be bunking in Bodega Bay. I have always wanted to visit, mostly because I am a sucker for a seaside town and fancy myself a bit like Jessica Fletcher in that way- looking for my own Cabot Cove to call home. Throw in the fun fact that Bodega Bay plays backdrop to Hitchcock’s “The Birds” and well- it’s a done deal. On the way up from San Fran, we’ll be making lots of pit stops tasting and slurping our way up the coast. Cowgirl Creamery’s original Pt. Reyes outpost, The Tomales Bay Oyster Co. and Hog Island Oyster Co. have been calling my name for years and I have yet to patronize. Today is the day my friends, I’m pretty psyched. If I’m lucky enough to spot a sea otter, it might just put me over the edge.
What are you all up to this weekend? The fall festivals are starting to ignite all over the place which makes me and my little ones so happy, what’s shaking in your part of the woods? Cheers to a Happy Weekend!
A Few Fun Things from around the interwebs:
“It’s decorative gourd season, motherf#*$ers”- this is hilarious.
In honor of the Scots, almost-secession aside., these look pretty great.
I have been searching high and low for a groovy fall doormat, nothing too gimmicky but just something fun. Wow- what a shortage. I should go in to the doormat business. I did find this one boasting my favorite fall flower in a big print- score.
This is a terrific kickstarter campaign to end the months of isolation that kids with cancer face and bring them back into a world they can share with other children.
I’m loving this new print studio for photo albums. Easy to print from your phone and pretty to look at.
This crunchy kale, fontina, butternut squash, pomegranate seed-topped pizza looks ridiculous. I’m making this pronto.
Once a Yankees fan, always a Yankees fan. Combine Sinatra with Jeter and you get near perfection. This is a pretty great sendoff.
My new favorite roast chicken recipe. It’s from Thomas Keller and it’s easy? Sold. Thanks Rashmi!
I’m tempted to paint this on my laundry room wall. Thanks Am!
Pan-fried polenta topped like a pizza- call it lunch.
We made mini polenta pizzas yesterday and my picky eaters devoured them within seconds. This recipe is not for the from-scratch set, rather it’s for overtired moms who don’t know which way is up and have run flat out of lunchtime ideas for their finicky wee ones. But honestly after serving these up, I think even the gourmands of the world might like my polenta pizzette too- quick, easy and flavorful- these are my new go-to bites.
What You Need:
Polenta
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
Marinara Sauce (make it yourself or use from a jar- I’ll admit I do on occassion. Trader Joe’s makes some decent marinara sauce that goes over big in this house)
Salt to taste
Olive Oil
What You Do:
1. Slice your polenta into thin discs.
2. Drizzle olive oil (or your cooking oil of choice) onto a frying pan.
3. Pan fry your polenta on med high until crisp and slightly browned.
4. Top with a dollop of marinara sauce and shredded cheese.
Happy Weekend dear readers. I love this shot of Stella Maria Baer’s work in progress above. The paint and colors are so chomp-worthy, I seriously just want to eat that entire composition. She’s a Southwest artist living in the Northeast and her work is genius (and P.S., her instagram feed is moody and dreamily delicious, I look forward to her gorgeous posts every day). But back to that work in progress thing- it’s sort of what life’s all about isn’t it. Some food (or paint) for thought.
Well folks, it’s been a hectic week over here in good ole VA., the apex being a full-on attack by the residents of an underground Yellow Jacket nest in our background. After my son stepped on said nest, my husband sprung into survival mode as the wasps swarmed and chased them all around the backyard. He managed to get the kiddos into the house with only a few stings, but those few stings were some humdingers. I was not here when the nest was rattled but saw the aftermath- clothes strewn everywhere and my poor daughter’s eyes nearly swollen shut. But all is well and on we go. Just another day in the Virginia suburbs. Who knew suburbia could be so action-packed?
In any case, we are gearing up for a restful (well, as restful as we can get here with toddlers) weekend. My niece is blowing into the ‘burbs later this afternoon, straight from her high powered internship with a New Mexican senator on Capitol Hill. I can’t wait to hear what she thinks of Washington. What must such an adulterated town to do such a mildly adulterated young adult? She went to high school in NYC so she can’t be too scandalized, we’ll see.
What I’m Drinking:
I’m digging Loire reds for this time of year. The Loire Valley is such a steal and some of my all-time favorites come from its flinty terroir. This is my new favorite. We carry a more recent vintage at Waterfront and it’s killer- lots of zippy acid and nice fruit on the palate. Lean and mean and perfect for a hot summer night. Drink it with seared salmon, mushroom and goat cheese pizza or turkey burgers- it’s not picky and goes great with almost anything provided your dish is not too terribly heavy or too dainty and light.
A Few Things:
I cannot wait for this. Meryl Streep as The Witch in the movie version of Sondheim’s Into the Woods? Musicals into movies are tricky but with Rob Marshall at the helm, my hopes are high.
I left my car lights on all night and had to figure out how to jump start the car the next morning. This came in pretty handy- gotta love the interweb.
In this day in Instagram age, I can’t believe it’s so hard to find simple 4×4 frames. If anyone has an answer, do tell. I’m at a loss.
My friend Amy just turned me on to the legendary Betty Fussell and I just ordered her memoir, Kitchen Wars. I cannot wait to dig in.
And ok, I finally gave in to this Magic Bullet contraption that’s sweeping our smoothie-crazed nation and you know what? I love it. It’s so easy and I don’t have to fret about my kids getting their greens, they love these smoothies. Especially when I freeze them and make Green Pops. They love a popsicle (who doesn’t) even if it is laden with kale and baby spinach. My concoctions actually look kind of like these- they are so pretty and taste so nice. It’s not cheap but you literally just throw stuff in a cup, blend it up and go. I’m kind of in love. This is the one I have- totally worth the dough.
I love these portraits. Luis Conejo’s work is sort of like John Currin meets Disney animator. Awesome.
A cute (and easy!) idea for a photo backdrop at my next dinner party from the designlovefest team.
10 Cute Kids’ Rooms. It helps if you live in a loft space with 20 foot walls and giant windows but still…
And these Hockney-inspired children’s portraits are pretty great too.
Happiness is: Another birthday and a glass in the hand. Throw in some loved ones and call is perfetto.
Three Cheers for the weekend and… it’s my birthday ya’ll, so I’m raising a glass to another year. We’re keeping it low key this year. Actually, I’ve kept my birthday pretty low key since I turned 30, I guess it’s just one of those decades. I’m thinking that next year I might want to blow it out a bit more, but for now, I’m pretty psyched just to go out to dinner in DC with the hubs (which is a big outing these days for this newly suburban gal) and assemble some toddler toys (very exciting, right.) I’ll be eating some delicious cake though. I just got a freshly made Daisy Cake in the mail that I can’t wait to sink my teeth into, I’ve heard these things are amazing. Have you tried them? What a fun gift- a delicious cake in the mail, is that not a great gift? And I don’t usually go in for buying myself stuff on my birthday but I caved this year and bought a new bed. I decided that it is officially time to upgrade to a King now that the kiddos are 2 and regularly jumping into bed with us. That beloved Queen-sized bed can quietly retreat into retirement, my daughter likes to sleep horizontal so, we kind of didn’t have a choice. I splurged on this white wooden beauty. I saw it in my friend Kristen’s Connecticut-come-Scandinavian abode and loved it so much that I had to copy.
In other news, I am so flattered to be featured on Alexandria Stylebook. I’m a little late to the party in posting this as it was published a few weeks back but this summer has been a bit crazy town so I’m just now getting around to actually processing the events of the last month. Thank you Stylebook for the fun feature and thanks to the talented Rashmi Pappu for the super fun photos. I’m not sure what she thought of me when my inner showgirl busted out in the middle of our photo session, I try to keep her at bay but it’s like they say “Once a Showgirl, Always a…”- or does anyone really say that? Maybe it’s just me.
And the icing on this birthday day’s cake was the copy of the latest Anthology magazine that I received in the mail this morning. What a perfect present. Inside features a story written by Anna Watson Carl that she and I styled together, set right here in VA. The story centers around a dinner party that I threw in the Virginia vines at a local (and gorgeous) vineyard for my dancing d’Amboise family. They trekked it down here from the big City and joined us for an unforgettable lunch amidst the ripening Cab Franc grapes at Paradise Springs. Amy Dickerson shot the story and I am still swooning over its dreaminess- I am so beyond flattered by all of it and what fun we had. A wonderful memory indeed. I am looking forward to posting more about the story when it hits newsstands (or your local Anthropologie store).
Much to be thankful for. Another year older… sigh. Sure, I harken back to the idealistic memories of my younger days but honestly I’ve always felt that I’ll take every birthday I can get, so you know what- bring it on.
What are your plans for the weekend?
What I’m Drinking: It’s my birthday so it has to be rosé. I’m not sure what, we’ll see what the wine list has to offer in the way of the pink stuff but I am loving the YesWayRosé girls. Have you seen them around the interwebs? A fun and festive celebration of the good stuff and I want that tote to the right.
A Few Things that rose my brow:
Kristen Bell as Mary Poppins- this is pretty great, if you’re in favor of raising the minimum wage that is. If you’re not, it might piss you off.
Hold onto your hats kids, the official looming kale shortage has been announced. It was only a matter of time right? I’ve never seen such enthusiasm over a leafy green. I’m totally guilty for contributing to the consuming that will result in the shortage.
This made me feel better about the ridiculous lack of sleep I’ve had since being pregnant. I’m sure a counter study will come out tomorrow that says the opposite but for now, I’m sticking with this one.
Talk about travel porn- well big budget luxury hotel travel porn anyway. These photos make me want to pack my bags pronto.
And while we’re talking travel, a few travel instagrammers that Emma Banks over at Camille Styles thinks we should follow. What say you all? Any favorite travel insta accounts? Do tell.
And while we’re on the insta topic, this is interesting. What it LOOKS like we’re doing vs. what we’re probably ACTUALLY doing.
And Panzanella- it’s everywhere these days and I’m always in the mood for it. Here’s a yummy sweet pepper version from Love and Lemons and a rustic and summery recipe from Melina Hammer over on the Anthology blog.
We are in it kids- deep in the thick of hot fun in the summertime. A few of my favorite things to do during these dog days:
1. Toast: Everyday. Because why not? Every day is a gift especially these lazy and fun summer days. I’m currently digging my pink Txakolina direct from Spain’s Basque Country. A sip of this stuff is like a run through the summertime sprinklers- just fun, zippy, fruit-filled, and effervescent goodness. It’s hard to find and may be worth ordering online. I think it’s fun to serve this as a cocktail or an aperitif at your dinner party or just as a glass on your back porch whenever. We sell a killer white Txakolina at Waterfront and I just had this one at Asheville’s Cúrate- holy deliciousness.
2. Surf: Or at least something like it. I’m no surfer girl, but I sure wish I was. I probably need to tackle my early 80s too-many-viewings-of-Jaws-induced shark phobia first, but this Costa Rica Surf Camp is calling my name- doesn’t it seem awesome (read the tripadvisor reviews and you will soon be socking away $ for this trip just like me- I smell a girl’s trip). I’d like to tackle a wave or two sooner than later in any case but for now, I’m pretty happy boogie boarding in the shallow end of the Atlantic and channeling my inner 12 year-old. There’s nothing like catching a wave to make you feel like a tween again. Wheeeeee!
3. Travel: As much as humanly possible. Hitting the road during the summertime is not as easy as it once was what with the Pack ‘n Plays, booster seats, bibs and things and other assorted toddler accouterments, it’s more like a moon launch than a quick pop in the car, but it’s still worth it. We’ve been on the road now for 3 weeks and are loving every minute of it. We’re working some, relaxing some and trying to soak all of it in.
4. Throw: Al Fresco Dinner Parties- lots of them. What better excuse to have your pals over, pop a bottle of bubbly and nosh on over-ripe juicilicious produce and grilled everythings. I’ve taken lots of cues from my girl Anna Watson Carl- the queen of the simple and stylish dinner party. She just trucked it cross-country hosting swoon-worthy dinner parties with the tastiest of the bloggy blog tastemakers. Check out her adventures here, steal some of her simple styling tricks (not to mention recipes) and pre-order her sure-to-be fab self-published The Yellow Table cookbook here (I just did). Kudos Anna- you are killing it.
5. Read: A novel, a great cookbook and a killer autobiography. I don’t read nearly as much as I’d like to, but oh that lost art of the lazy read- I’m hoping to one day figure out life so that it leaves more time for this great joy. Reading is so good for you, like a shot of wheat grass in the morning- it cleans you out, refuels and energizes in one shot. I recently read a great article about how reading fiction makes one more empathetic, our society could use a bit more of that stuff. Reading is so crucial to our psyche I think, and there’s nothing like the joy of being sucked in to a riveting page-turner, romanced by great language and epic characters- the good stuff indeed. I’m currently reading The Yonahlosse Riding Camp for Girls (how nice to read a good novel), perusing Vefa’s Kitchen (if I can’t spend the summer on a Greek Isle, I can at least cook like it) and Ava Gardner’s biography (which I wish lasted my entire lifetime)- I can never get enough of that diva- what a wild one.
6. Grill: Peaches and put them in everything. I’m seriously nuts about grilled peaches. It’s like I can’t believe what I’ve been missing my whole life. Summertime in a bite- I throw them in salads (lovely with arugula and gorgonzola) and great as a sub for tomatoes in your fresh Caprese salads. Stick ‘em on kabobs, serve them for dessert with a dollop of gelato- they’re pretty much great with everything and make for a happy Riesling partner- it is The Summer of Riesling afterall, if you’re a Paul Grieco follower that is, and who in their right wino-mind isn’t?
7. Make: Pinot Noir Popsicles and Espresso Granita. Pinot Pops for the grown ups and Blackberry Lemonade Pops for the kiddos- so simple and perfectly summer. A freshly made Espresso Granita puts me right in that Piazza in front of the Parthenon- a little Roman Holiday on my Virginia deck. I love this recipe.
What are some of your Summertime To-Dos?
Photos: Dinner Party and Peaches: Jack Mathews and Jeanine Donofrio of Love and Lemons, Pinot Pop: Bon Appétit, Granita: Sisboomblog, VW Van Road Trip: Smitten Studio
Happy long weekend dear readers. It’s my Dad’s birthday today. He would have been 72. There we are above circa 1976 in that amazing wood paneled den. Love you Dad, you will always be the coolest. Miss you and your generosity, humor, big love, wisdom and sense of adventure every day.
I hope you are all off to some fun and adventure in the spirit of this holiday weekend. We’re hanging around these parts trying to gussy up this joint. It is taking for-evah. I failed to properly estimate the time it would take me to fully unpack and semi-organzie with 2 toddlers in tow. It’ll get done one of these days… or not. In the meantime, we continue to navigate through our basement and garage like we are the All-Stars of the last season of Hoarders. We’ll throw in a bbq somewhere this weekend amidst the constant disarray. That’s sort of what life is though isn’t it. Throwing in the fun stuff amidst the chaos- something like that.
What I’m Drinking:
Le P’tit Rouqin from Olivier Lemasson. This fantastic gamay is brought to me by Ian Cauble’s new venture, Somm Select. From one of my favorite importers, Louis/Dressner, comes this terrifically acidic and food friendly but still fruitalicious Loire gamay. Strawberries, lots of flinty and clay minerality and a hint of tobacco and spice pepper this beauty. A light-to-medium bodied red that is so so good. Check out your local wine shop for Louis/Dressner imports as this bottle has already peaced-out from Somm Select and can be a bit elusive. It’s only about $20- a steal, as much of the Loire Valley can be.
A Few Things:
This cool new wine business (as mentioned above). A Master Somm’s picks straight from his palate to your front door. Well, something like that anyway. I’m a fan. I was cheering for Mr. Cauble in the recent smart vino doc, Somm and think this is a bright new venture for the now lettered MS. He’s got a beautiful Bandol up at the moment.
3 Great Foodie Memoirs- I can never get enough of these things (if I ever have time to read that is, which is never- so strike that whole comment but these do look interesting).
This fun little feature on my girl Jessica Pariseau. I just saw her in Cabaret and she is on fire kids. Go girl- one of my favorite people.
Katie Parla’s Proust-inspired Questionnaire- the subject: food writer Alec Lobrano. I’m always in the mood for a Prousty questionnaire especially when it involves food and musings upon it.
Who needs a bar cart anyway? Not me with these little ones running around, that’s for sure. This looks pretty good.
This terrific article written by my good pal, John Carroll. He never disappoints- one of the funniest and sharpest dudes I know.
For bougie bohemians, Mara Hoffman launches her first home collection at Anthropologie. Eyeballs and feathers and arrows, oh my. This is a little too blogtastic for me, but I do like a random eyeball here and again.
Holy Smoky Flavors- 10 Brilliant Grilling Secrets from the latest of issue of Food & Wine. A newbie convert to the wonders of the grill- I can’t believe what I’ve been missing- I was thrilled to get this latest issue in the mail as it is pretty much entirely devoted to the good sport of grilling.
1. Narwhals- because they’re ridiculously awesome. No wonder the hipsters have claimed the Narwhal as their un-official mascot. Has anybody noticed the sudden influx of their likeness, I don’t know… everywhere? The unicorns of the sea are donning the likes of bloggy branding and Pinterest-approved marks everywhere. Please hipsters- don’t overexpose the dear Narwhal- she is a true creature of creatures, I mean how cool looking are these things. I’d like to see one in the wild one day. For now, I just check in with the WWF’s Narwhal Satellite Tracking Map. They do face manmade dangers like oil leaks, climate change and above all- noise pollution, a problem that I had no idea was such a harmful thing to sealife until recently. Check out how you can make a difference here.
2. These wabi-sabi oak cutting boards made by a dude in New York’s Hudson River Valley, namely one John Corcoran- because they’re imperfectly perfect and because he also bakes cakes, keeps bees and makes maple syrup- a modern day Renaissance man.
3. This Chenin Blanc from Xavier Weiskoppf of the Loire Valley- because it is a true treasure to behold. Funky enough to satiate a wine geek’s love of naturally made Chenin and chalky and citrusy enough to please anyone’s palate. A terrific food wine and lots of interesting things going on in this glass. (shameless plug: currently found at Waterfront Market)
4. This gold and leggy lucite table- because why not be stylish when dining TV-side? Not that I’m a big proponent of TV dinners, but let’s face it, sometimes you do have to multitask. And also, if you’re anything like me and you’re home alone with the kiddos in bed, sometimes you just want to saddle up to some good old-fashioned TCM with your piping hot bowl of carbalicious pasta- am I right? Not your momma’s tray table. Or maybe it is, if your momma was hip and could be found with a tv tray in the early 70s- Gen X’ers, I’m talkin’ to you.
5. This 1967 navy blue Volvo station wagon- because, well, because I want one. Practical, mmmm… probably not. But she’s a looker- she’s both awkward and gorgeous at the same time- my kind of gal. I’d love to cart my little brood around in this baby.
6. The current Andrew Wyeth exhibit at The National Gallery of Art- because it truly is a thing of beauty, words don’t much do it justice. If you’re in the area, just go see it. And let me know what you think.
Happy Weekend dear readers. How much do you love this beachy photo? Taken by my dear friend, Amy Dickerson, I need this in my house- will have to talk to her about that. Follow her here for loads of dreamy inspiration.
To what great adventures are you off to this fine spring weekend? I am traveling home from that great big apple at the moment. I ran there and back in a day for some work and squeezed in a slice (or two), enjoyed a cold beer in Penn Station (what? how have I never done that before) and smelled a bunch of armpits as I did my best sardine imitation amidst the hubbub of the rush hour 1 train. Ah New York, I love ya so. This weekend- I am off to Lucketts. Only one of my most favorite days of the year- the annual Old Lucketts Store Spring Fair. Vintage Virginia nirvana- a little bit of Brimfield in our neck of the woods. I posted about it last year and I’m looking forward to discovering from some new/old treasures this time around.
What I’m Drinking:
This one’s a heartbreaker, a beautifully crafted lean Loire wine with killer acidity and lots of earth, herbaceousness, fruit, and a little spice- it’s damn near perfect- a chompy food-friendly Cab Franc from Chinon. A bottle with the classic goods, its got everything you want in your lean mean Loire red. Imported by Jon David Headrick who cut his teeth working for Eric Solomon, Headrick knows how to spot the real deal winemakers, the poets, the dreamers, if you will. This stuff is bottled dreaminess.
Here’s What I Get:
And you guessed it, it is on the list at Waterfront. On our market list that is, pick this baby up from our shelves and enjoy, or get it here. A beautiful food friendly wine, this will pair perfectly with your takeout Vietnamese.
A Few Things:
Creativity: The Perfect Crime? I hope so. I can never get enough of this guy.
Dancers vie for coveted spots at SAB. I went there, I couldn’t wait to get out. It’s great and all and I’m beyond grateful for the experience, but I was much more comfortable in my hot pink character skirt and heels- a Broadway baby even as a wee lad.
Speaking of dancers, this Free People ad had what seemed to be the entire dance community in an uproar, the FB noise on this was unbelievable. If you’re friends with one of us (dancers, I mean) you undoubtedly saw it along with the scores of snarky comments. I feel sorry for the model but honestly, it is a pretty offensive and ridiculous ad. Just a word to the wise, corporate America please don’t mess with dancers because this is what you’ll get- a pretty hilarious parody by crazy talented dancer, J. Elaine Marcos. And… scene.
I just love these pretty floral and foliage faces from Justina Blakeney.
Former showgirl, forever travel junkie, sometime sommelier, and mom to twin bebes. This little blog is a mixed bag of tasting notes, travels, tales of motherhood, and current musings. Thank you for stopping by. Cin Cin! (photo by Amy Dickerson for Anthology Magazine)
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