A song called "Simple Man" by Lynyrd Skynyrd came on as my dad and I drove a stretch of highway that hummed between patchwork fields and big, sturdy barns.
An amber hue had fallen on the countryside, and this simple song fit the scene like a pair of worn-in boots.
"Forget your lust for the rich man's gold.
All that you need is in your soul.
And you can do this if you try..."
It was a poignant soundtrack for a ride home.
Monday, August 29, 2011
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Edible Chicago
Chicago is really buzzing right now.
I think people are especially talking about the Windy City's culinary scene, in large part due to the restaurant Alinea that has elevated the molecular gastronomy concept to the highest level of surprising, edible art.
I just enjoyed very memorable meals at two hot spots: First there was oysters, fish tacos and King crab legs at GT Fish and Oyster that's in a slick, modern space in the River North.
Then came a crispy chicken torta sandwich with black beans and tomatillo-avocado salsa, piping hot chips with homemade guacamole and cinammon churros with bitter chocolate at chef Rick Bayless' XOCO that celebrates Mexican street food.
Both were a real treat, very well worth the extra pounds.
For what to do in Chicago now, check out this destination story on Vogue.com -- my friend Erica and I found it incredibly on point!
I think people are especially talking about the Windy City's culinary scene, in large part due to the restaurant Alinea that has elevated the molecular gastronomy concept to the highest level of surprising, edible art.
I just enjoyed very memorable meals at two hot spots: First there was oysters, fish tacos and King crab legs at GT Fish and Oyster that's in a slick, modern space in the River North.
Then came a crispy chicken torta sandwich with black beans and tomatillo-avocado salsa, piping hot chips with homemade guacamole and cinammon churros with bitter chocolate at chef Rick Bayless' XOCO that celebrates Mexican street food.
Both were a real treat, very well worth the extra pounds.
For what to do in Chicago now, check out this destination story on Vogue.com -- my friend Erica and I found it incredibly on point!
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Inspiration Board
I'm a fan of the Inspiration Board -- that spot where your momentos, ideas, cut-outs, photos and favorite "stuff" mix together to reflect a piece of you.
This is my work board, which has some respectable flair. Sometimes it's easy to take things for granted, and I'm grateful to work in a creative environment where people, ideas and the work go beyond black and white.
I need to get a move-on for an inspiration board at home!
This is my work board, which has some respectable flair. Sometimes it's easy to take things for granted, and I'm grateful to work in a creative environment where people, ideas and the work go beyond black and white.
I need to get a move-on for an inspiration board at home!
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Three Little Pink Bungalows
This spot looks just ... perfect.
Pictured are the beachfront, thatched-roof bungalows at Costa Careyes resort in Mexico -- rendered delightfully festive in a peppy pink hue.
Forget the roomier, more modern casitas that overlook the bay. These snug bungalows are the real deal.
Pictured are the beachfront, thatched-roof bungalows at Costa Careyes resort in Mexico -- rendered delightfully festive in a peppy pink hue.
Forget the roomier, more modern casitas that overlook the bay. These snug bungalows are the real deal.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Oh, Venice
L.A.'s Venice neighborhood is bohemian, a bit Euro, a lot funky, and all the way eclectic. It's the city's most intriguing burrough, a beachside stomping ground where anything goes.
I worked for three-ish years on the main drag, Abbot Kinney Boulevard -- back then, the rare vinyl collection at Equator Books was a gem, as was the lively bar scene at local favorite Hal's and wallet-friendly happy hours with tapas dishes at Primitivo Wine Bistro. The best baguette sandwiches and lattes were tucked away at the sweet French Market Cafe that I love.
While Venice has become more hipster and commercial these days, it's still turning out original and independent spots to eat, drink and enjoy.
Over the weekend I hung out at a ridiculously cool Prohibition-era bar called the Del Monte Speakeasy that is hidden underground, beneath the Townhouse bar that's a block from the ocean.
The speakeasy is the real deal from the '20s, and I hear the vaudeville-style drapes and the striped canopy above the dance floor are originals. Flickering candlight enhances the mysterious ambiance, and a wooden bar with vintage stools faces a tapestried wall of handsome leather booths.
The DJ played a fun mix of groove and dance songs that brought our group somewhwat into the present. A wonderful time was had by all.
I worked for three-ish years on the main drag, Abbot Kinney Boulevard -- back then, the rare vinyl collection at Equator Books was a gem, as was the lively bar scene at local favorite Hal's and wallet-friendly happy hours with tapas dishes at Primitivo Wine Bistro. The best baguette sandwiches and lattes were tucked away at the sweet French Market Cafe that I love.
While Venice has become more hipster and commercial these days, it's still turning out original and independent spots to eat, drink and enjoy.
Over the weekend I hung out at a ridiculously cool Prohibition-era bar called the Del Monte Speakeasy that is hidden underground, beneath the Townhouse bar that's a block from the ocean.
The speakeasy is the real deal from the '20s, and I hear the vaudeville-style drapes and the striped canopy above the dance floor are originals. Flickering candlight enhances the mysterious ambiance, and a wooden bar with vintage stools faces a tapestried wall of handsome leather booths.
The DJ played a fun mix of groove and dance songs that brought our group somewhwat into the present. A wonderful time was had by all.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Nostalgia, or Not?
Iconic fashion desinger Karl Lagerfeld said in a magazine he has no place for nostalgia, that he considers only the current moment. What's done is done, it seems.
What a novel idea, I thought. And how grey! When done in moderation, thinking to your best life moments is healthy, and absolutely necessary.
I can't imagine hiding away my stack of bright memories, or never using life's high times to pep me up or dish out some perspective today.
You have to live for now, but isn't it all more fun and satisfying when the golden nuggets get to shine on?
Nostalgia, or not?
What a novel idea, I thought. And how grey! When done in moderation, thinking to your best life moments is healthy, and absolutely necessary.
I can't imagine hiding away my stack of bright memories, or never using life's high times to pep me up or dish out some perspective today.
You have to live for now, but isn't it all more fun and satisfying when the golden nuggets get to shine on?
Nostalgia, or not?
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Macarons
Voila, macarons!
They've got to be the most delightful, pretty little things of all time. I smile whenever I see, or taste, them.
I picked up this rainbow-hued box in Bordeaux last spring. There's a macaron shop a tad closer, here in Beverly Hills, called 'lette macarons -- it's pretty good, and a sleeve of six makes a fabulous gift.
For the ultimate inspiration and indulgence, though, it's Laduree all the way.
They've got to be the most delightful, pretty little things of all time. I smile whenever I see, or taste, them.
I picked up this rainbow-hued box in Bordeaux last spring. There's a macaron shop a tad closer, here in Beverly Hills, called 'lette macarons -- it's pretty good, and a sleeve of six makes a fabulous gift.
For the ultimate inspiration and indulgence, though, it's Laduree all the way.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)