Nigella, I am not, but I'd very much like to be.
Effortlessly throwing together delicious dishes
and entertaining friends in a visually pleasing
setting? yes please! She makes it seem so easy.
And sometimes it is-sometimes dishes just come
together in the way that you hope they will.
But then there are the failures..
Over the last 4 years I've had my fair share
of screw ups, but lately I've had a lot of
mishaps in a row. In the past 2 weeks
I've managed to burn myself frying okra and
squash blossoms, I almost set off the fire
alarm making Lavender Madeleine's,
my upside down cake barely made it out of the pan,
and the attempts at vichyssoise and puff pastry
were utter failures.
Looking at the big picture, these failures are
necessary-and I accept that( or try to).
It doesn't make them any easier to handle
but I think that it's important to acknowledge them
and move on.
So that was me, acknowledging my recent
failures, learning from them, and moving on.
whew.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Latest Obsessions
The Black Swan Trailer
(Not really a fan of either actress but it looks good)
Lavender
(Liking it in my gelato, cake, soap, lotion, etc.)
Garrett Popcorn
(Caramel Crisp w/ Cashews)
Scratch Map
(Really want one)
Vacation Countdown
(9 days)
(Not really a fan of either actress but it looks good)
Lavender
(Liking it in my gelato, cake, soap, lotion, etc.)
Garrett Popcorn
(Caramel Crisp w/ Cashews)
Scratch Map
(Really want one)
Vacation Countdown
(9 days)
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
All Things Go- All Things Go
The bf and I went to Chicago.
It was a quick weekend visit,
but we had a great time.
Thursday we arrived late in the afternoon,
checked in, then went right to
Millenium Park for free music. The best part
is that they allow you to bring bottles. We had
some wine, but I saw some people with table setups
of wine and snackies. It was their own personal
living room!
Dinner was at Mercat a la Planxa, and it was delicious.
Possibly the best Margarita that I've had, and the
Prawns a la Planxa were delicious. Not to mention the cheese plate!
(But I'm sure that everyone that reads this could have guessed
that I'd love the cheese plate..)
Dinner was followed by cocktails in another neighborhood.
I had a passion fruit margarita- I know, I was a margarita maniac.
But when passion fruit is featured I will always say yes.
The next morning we had breakfast at Meli Cafe, which was
delicious. I had the ham and swiss benedict, and I loaded up
some toast with their honey butter. So good! It was the perfect
breakfast spot after a night out.
We walked back downtown to see the museum at the Art Institute,
which I really enjoyed. If I lived in Chicago, I'd probably be there all
the time.
I also loved these little areas attached to Millenium Park.
Past those seemingly caged in trees there is a little area
of wild flowers and a stream that you can stick your feet into.
Again, I'd be there all the time-with my feet in the stream.
The weird thing about Chicago is that it is a really vast city,
where everything is connected by train, but nothing feels close.
Maybe that was just because it was new, who knows- it just felt like
everything was connected and disconnected at the same time.
Anyway!
After some bubble tea we decided to grab a chicago hot dog.
This was never to be...they "ran out of buns". lame.
We ended up at the Goose Island Brewpub which
also had truffle fries. Win. I had the Grahampagne
and the bf had the Green Line Pale Ale.
Later that night we had a double dinner.
One at The Bluebird and another at Big Star.
Both were awesomely delicious.
(Bluebird had a nice wine list)
On Saturday the bf / Chelsie's parents came into town
and we all had lunch @ Xoco, which
features mexican tortas and churros. So good!
Then we went out to Hyde Park to see Chelsie and
Peter's apartment, and take a dip in Lake Michigan.
Even though it was freezing it was well worth it.
The view was pretty fantastic, and the water was clear.
That night, after deciding that I hated the CTA as much
as the MTA , we had dinner at Nightwood. Which was
definitely my kind of place. They had a big garden out back and really
focused on using local sources. Everything that we had was amazing.
I was particularly taken by my dessert which was rice pudding with
stewed peaches and creme fraiche.
Our only regrets about this trip were that we didn't eat a chicago style
hot dog or get deep dish from one of the famous places.
But at least we have things to look forward to next time.
It was a quick weekend visit,
but we had a great time.
Thursday we arrived late in the afternoon,
checked in, then went right to
Millenium Park for free music. The best part
is that they allow you to bring bottles. We had
some wine, but I saw some people with table setups
of wine and snackies. It was their own personal
living room!
Dinner was at Mercat a la Planxa, and it was delicious.
Possibly the best Margarita that I've had, and the
Prawns a la Planxa were delicious. Not to mention the cheese plate!
(But I'm sure that everyone that reads this could have guessed
that I'd love the cheese plate..)
Dinner was followed by cocktails in another neighborhood.
I had a passion fruit margarita- I know, I was a margarita maniac.
But when passion fruit is featured I will always say yes.
The next morning we had breakfast at Meli Cafe, which was
delicious. I had the ham and swiss benedict, and I loaded up
some toast with their honey butter. So good! It was the perfect
breakfast spot after a night out.
We walked back downtown to see the museum at the Art Institute,
which I really enjoyed. If I lived in Chicago, I'd probably be there all
the time.
I also loved these little areas attached to Millenium Park.
Past those seemingly caged in trees there is a little area
of wild flowers and a stream that you can stick your feet into.
Again, I'd be there all the time-with my feet in the stream.
The weird thing about Chicago is that it is a really vast city,
where everything is connected by train, but nothing feels close.
Maybe that was just because it was new, who knows- it just felt like
everything was connected and disconnected at the same time.
Anyway!
After some bubble tea we decided to grab a chicago hot dog.
This was never to be...they "ran out of buns". lame.
We ended up at the Goose Island Brewpub which
also had truffle fries. Win. I had the Grahampagne
and the bf had the Green Line Pale Ale.
Later that night we had a double dinner.
One at The Bluebird and another at Big Star.
Both were awesomely delicious.
(Bluebird had a nice wine list)
On Saturday the bf / Chelsie's parents came into town
and we all had lunch @ Xoco, which
features mexican tortas and churros. So good!
Then we went out to Hyde Park to see Chelsie and
Peter's apartment, and take a dip in Lake Michigan.
Even though it was freezing it was well worth it.
The view was pretty fantastic, and the water was clear.
That night, after deciding that I hated the CTA as much
as the MTA , we had dinner at Nightwood. Which was
definitely my kind of place. They had a big garden out back and really
focused on using local sources. Everything that we had was amazing.
I was particularly taken by my dessert which was rice pudding with
stewed peaches and creme fraiche.
Our only regrets about this trip were that we didn't eat a chicago style
hot dog or get deep dish from one of the famous places.
But at least we have things to look forward to next time.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Saturday, August 07, 2010
Saturday
I haven't left Queens yet today,
and I don't plan on it either.
With the exception of the stressful task
of cleaning the bathroom, today has been
relaxing. I bound a bunch of new notebooks,
went to the Sunnyside Greenmarket,
watched shark shows, and had
a crab feast.
Hope everyone is having a wonderful Saturday too.
Oh and here is Sam Rockwell dancing.
(we recently watched Confessions of Dangerous Mind)
and I don't plan on it either.
With the exception of the stressful task
of cleaning the bathroom, today has been
relaxing. I bound a bunch of new notebooks,
went to the Sunnyside Greenmarket,
watched shark shows, and had
a crab feast.
Hope everyone is having a wonderful Saturday too.
Oh and here is Sam Rockwell dancing.
(we recently watched Confessions of Dangerous Mind)
Thursday, August 05, 2010
I Feel Crazy.
OK not really that crazy.
I'm just having one of those days
when nothing really seems to go
as planned.
A week from today I will be on a plane
to Chicago, and sometimes just knowing
that vacation is oh-so-close makes
everyday living that much more difficult.
I'm trying not to turn into a
grumpasaurus.
I'll just keep watching these videos over
and over. Until I am out of the funk.
I'm just having one of those days
when nothing really seems to go
as planned.
A week from today I will be on a plane
to Chicago, and sometimes just knowing
that vacation is oh-so-close makes
everyday living that much more difficult.
I'm trying not to turn into a
grumpasaurus.
I'll just keep watching these videos over
and over. Until I am out of the funk.
Wednesday, August 04, 2010
Latest Obsessions
Antoine Dodson.
(run and tell that)
Arcade Fire- Sprawl II
(dance)
This wedding video.
(gets me every time)
French wines.
(going to learn about them)
Bubble Tea.
(who knew tapioca was actually good?)
Peach and Cornmeal Upside Down Cake
(so good)
NYC ICY
(the obsession continues, yesterday I got passion fruit)
(run and tell that)
Arcade Fire- Sprawl II
(dance)
This wedding video.
(gets me every time)
French wines.
(going to learn about them)
Bubble Tea.
(who knew tapioca was actually good?)
Peach and Cornmeal Upside Down Cake
(so good)
NYC ICY
(the obsession continues, yesterday I got passion fruit)
Monday, August 02, 2010
The Champagne Birthday
I turned 27 on the 27th
(at 4:12am specifically)
It was one of the best birthdays
that I have ever had!
We popped a half bottle of Veuve
at midnight (I thought that a
champagne birthday called for a
proper champagne)
The bf was in charge of planning the whole day,
and the festivities began with lunch @
M. Wells, our newest restaurant fav in LIC.
I had a chilled tomatillo soup and the pork terrine
and the bf had a breakfast hash with salted cod.
As usual everything was outstanding.
Our next outing was to Chinatown, because he knows
that I'm obsessed. We meandered in and out of
stores filled with dehydrated sea creatures and the such
Next, we picked up some bubble tea..Just another way
to infuse a gelatinous product into everyday
consumption. I chose a passion fruit crushed
ice tea, and the bf had a peanut milk tea.
Both were delicious
After the tea we walked through the park
and then somewhere along the way, decided
that we should stop and grab a drink somewhere.
I literally turned to my right and saw Whiskey Tavern,
who also happened to be celebrating it's birthday.
Everyone there was so nice, and our waitress brought over
a hostess cupcake with a candle and a shot of white russian.
As if she knew the favorite drink of my 19 year old self!
It was really cute, and unexpected.
After our beer and magners, cupcake and shot
we left the bar and started walking. I was under
the impression that we were also having dinner in
Chinatown, so when I asked where the restaurant was
the bf replied with the twist.
We were not having dinner there, and we had to get on the train.
Whaaat!? He got me, I had no idea where we could possibly be going.
But was floored when we ended up at Ma Peche.
Everything was amazing, as usual David Chang did not disappoint.
Our meal went like this:
Cocktails
-Scarlet Thread: macchu pisco, crème de frais, grenadine, bitters
-Oskar blues, “mama’s little yellow pils”
Bottle of Wine
-domaine de la realtiere, “cul sec,” carignan blend, 2005 (coteaux d’aix en provence)
3 appetizers*
-Fluke with arugula, strawberry and pistachio
-Crispy Pig's Head with cabbage slaw, peach and hazelnut
-Beef Tartare with soy, scallion and mint
1 entree and 1 side
-Eden Brook Trout with long bean, chili jam and almonds
-Corn with lardo, scallion and chili
3 Cheeses
-bouche (pipe dreams farm – greencastle, pa)
-ouray (sprout creek farms – poughkeepsie, ny)
-cayuga blue (lively run goat dairy – interlaken, ny)
Everything was out of control delicious-
and it was easily one of the best meals that I've had.
Clearly, my bf is the best.
(at 4:12am specifically)
It was one of the best birthdays
that I have ever had!
We popped a half bottle of Veuve
at midnight (I thought that a
champagne birthday called for a
proper champagne)
The bf was in charge of planning the whole day,
and the festivities began with lunch @
M. Wells, our newest restaurant fav in LIC.
I had a chilled tomatillo soup and the pork terrine
and the bf had a breakfast hash with salted cod.
As usual everything was outstanding.
Our next outing was to Chinatown, because he knows
that I'm obsessed. We meandered in and out of
stores filled with dehydrated sea creatures and the such
Next, we picked up some bubble tea..Just another way
to infuse a gelatinous product into everyday
consumption. I chose a passion fruit crushed
ice tea, and the bf had a peanut milk tea.
Both were delicious
After the tea we walked through the park
and then somewhere along the way, decided
that we should stop and grab a drink somewhere.
I literally turned to my right and saw Whiskey Tavern,
who also happened to be celebrating it's birthday.
Everyone there was so nice, and our waitress brought over
a hostess cupcake with a candle and a shot of white russian.
As if she knew the favorite drink of my 19 year old self!
It was really cute, and unexpected.
After our beer and magners, cupcake and shot
we left the bar and started walking. I was under
the impression that we were also having dinner in
Chinatown, so when I asked where the restaurant was
the bf replied with the twist.
We were not having dinner there, and we had to get on the train.
Whaaat!? He got me, I had no idea where we could possibly be going.
But was floored when we ended up at Ma Peche.
Everything was amazing, as usual David Chang did not disappoint.
Our meal went like this:
Cocktails
-Scarlet Thread: macchu pisco, crème de frais, grenadine, bitters
-Oskar blues, “mama’s little yellow pils”
Bottle of Wine
-domaine de la realtiere, “cul sec,” carignan blend, 2005 (coteaux d’aix en provence)
3 appetizers*
-Fluke with arugula, strawberry and pistachio
-Crispy Pig's Head with cabbage slaw, peach and hazelnut
-Beef Tartare with soy, scallion and mint
1 entree and 1 side
-Eden Brook Trout with long bean, chili jam and almonds
-Corn with lardo, scallion and chili
3 Cheeses
-bouche (pipe dreams farm – greencastle, pa)
-ouray (sprout creek farms – poughkeepsie, ny)
-cayuga blue (lively run goat dairy – interlaken, ny)
Everything was out of control delicious-
and it was easily one of the best meals that I've had.
Clearly, my bf is the best.
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