LA’s Ray’s & Stark Bar at the LACMA is adding a 45-page WATER menu to its beverage list. Huh? They also have a water sommelier. Really? A water somm? Which water would pair best with my chicken sandwich? Should I go with the Vichy Catalan or the Saratoga?
The water selection on this extensive list spans the globe stemming from 10 different countries with the most expensive from California. Martin Riese is said water somm and maker of 90H20, the $18 California water. I think I have to call bullshit on this. I mean, if the market will bear it then ok, why not but… I call bullshit. What say you?
Doesn’t this look just like summer! I’m not usually a spritzer kind of girl but this looks delicious. Thanks Joy the Baker!
It’s been a crazy week. DOMA is repealed- hooray (this is a kind of funny 2 -word response), Brazil’s in an uproar, Wow Wendy Davis, and George Zimmerman’s lawyer is telling knock knock jokes- what is happening. Stephen Colbert’s mother passed away and he gave a loving tribute to her on his show. This is a Colbert we have not seen, so sweet.
In light of a big week, I hope you are all off to a big and fun-filled weekend. My momma is coming into town- double hooray- so we’ll head out to North Beach with the kiddos and check out the so-called “Jewel of Chesapeake Bay”. It’s only 45 minutes from our place so I’m crossing my fingers that it’s awesome- there’s nothing like a nearby beach on a hot summer day.
I’ve also started reading again. I know, I know- alert the media, right. It is kind of a biggie for me as I have been a little sleep deprived with work, travel and the bebes and I haven’t really read anything in months. I’m listening to Andre Agassi’s Open on audiobook- so well written- I know I’m a little late to the game (no pun intended) on this one, but it’s awesome. I just downloaded Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson’s Mo Meta Blues- so looking forward to that. Google Books review says, “You have to bear in mind that [Questlove] is one of the smartest motherfuckers on the planet. His musical knowledge, for all practical purposes, is limitless.” Nice. Anyone who references the episode of The Cosby Show where guest star Stevie Wonder samples the Cosby family’s voices in the recording studio as inspiration for 90s hip hop artists, is pretty much a must read for me. I’m also reading this book on parenting that my sister in law recently gave me (she’s an inspired preschool teacher so I basically read everything she tells me to). It’s great and really revealing. If you like a psych study, you’ll really enjoy this. And for all of us that believe constantly telling our kids that they’re smart is a good thing, this may change your mind.
A little link love:
1. Dora Maar’s house in Menerbes- Peter Mayle land. Love that town, love her and love this house. I would love this little setup in my backyard- throw up a sting of lights and voila- nirvana.
2. What to do with your bebes when you don’t have a backyard. This is so simple, it’s really a duh. I’m trying this today.
3. A girl after my own heart- just another reason to travel with your kiddos. How Anne Postic feels like a change of scenery improves her kids’ palates. Yes.
4. Add a little dash of Rome to your hot summer day. Espresso granitas with whipped cream- grazie mille Smitten Kitchen.
5. Another cool map- I do love a map. This one needs your help to get produced. Visit the Kickstarter campaign here if you feel we need this in the world.
If you live in or are planning a trip to the greatest city on earth, you should run your fingers over to amazon.com right quick and get yourself a copy of The Analogue Guide to New York. My very talented friend Alana Stone is the co-writer and co-editor of the ingenious Analogue Guide book series along with her her husband Stefan Horn. They live a wanderlusty life currently residing in Barcelona with their next stop perhaps LA or Vancouver- whichever best floats their boat. They go where their dreams and inspirations take them and recently welcomed their baby girl while effortlessly hopping from NYC to Madrid during pregnancy. Landing in Barcelona with their young lass, with a few stops in Italy and England in between, these guys get around. They’re the perfect people to write your dream guide book as they travel like locals hitting up neighborhood hot spots and haunts in a concerted effort to garner an authentic travel experience.
In her words, “Analogue Guides is a series of compact, independently curated city guide books featuring high quality, unique, low key venues- distilled through the lens of the neighborhood.” The genius of the guides is the way they are organized- by neighborhood. The layout gives you permission to travel more specifically focusing your day on a few spots in a decided part of town, as opposed to subjecting yourself to the torture of running yourself uptown, downtown and sideways-town in order to hit the “must-see spots” that most guide books would have you believe is the only way see the city. Whew- I’m exhausted just typing that.
The Analogue Guides are your ticket to traveling like the cool kids. And by that I don’t mean 19-year-old hipsters, I mean people that know the inside dealio and how to spend a proper day kicking back and exploring like a local. Take in the other side as you relax on the back patio of a killer surf shop in the impossibly darling West Village while sipping the best coffee around or stand in line for hours on end waiting for the elevator at Rock Center. It’s a different way of seeing the city. Seriously, enough said.
Ok, just a few more things- I love how Alana and Stefan are championing the printed page. Yay- long live paper and the printed word. Let’s be honest, some things are just more fun when they’re tangible. They’ve layered their guides with smart photography and well-appointed and easy to navigate maps. Their book is the kind of thing you want in your hand when walking the mean streets- so much cooler than a smart phone. And, ok one more thing, no trees were harmed in the printing of these books. All are 100% recycled. Now a bit about Alana:
Alana and I met in the wine world. Just as she was finishing up a stint in the cellar at Balthazar, I was beginning mine. We later met working for a small French importer of lip-smacking wines led by a curious and entertaining Frenchman. We had a ball together. She speaks 5 languages fluently and was always running off to attend some Catalan film festival while simultaneously working on her PhD in Japanese Comparative Literature at Columbia. I was impressed. We’ve stayed chums as I continue to live vicariously through her globetrotting. I heartily recommend her guide books to any and everyone planning a trip to the locales they cover. With London and NY published, more cities are in the works.
She has been gracious to share 5 of her favorite finds from The Analogue Guide: New York. Drumroll please…
1. Surf Shop & Coffee Counter Saturdays Surf Saturdays Surf presents a unique concept with a distinctly Pacific vibe. The shabby-chic store offers a vast array of surfing paraphernalia including boards, wetsuits, books and artwork dedicated to the wave—while doubling as an excellent café serving La Colombe blends. Grab a flat white and browse the selection of books dedicated to Australian, Californian and South African tides. Then head back to the gloriously dishevelled garden courtyard to finish off your cup in the afternoon sun.
2. Philadelphia Coffee Import La Colombe
Philadelphia based roaster La Colombe serves some of the finest beans in NYC at its aesthetically pleasing trio of Manhattan locations. The cafés boast a cosmopolitan atmosphere forged by a strong local following and international mélange of creative types. Drop by the sun drenched Nolita location for a rich and creamy cappuccino seemingly melting into its Italian Majolica cup, and a sumptuous slice of olive oil loaf. Then borrow a section of the NY Times and relax on the solid wooden banquette.
3. South Williamsburg Glamour Dressler
From its baroque decor to its clad-in-black wait staff, a festive atmosphere predominates at Michelin-starred Dressler. Playful and sophisticated, the space is peppered with intricate pieces by Brooklyn Navy Yard artisan sculptors. This sumptuous backdrop contextualizes the menu, consisting of an intricate hotchpotch of locally sourced New American cuisine and an extensive international wine list. All in all, a decadently pleasurable experience.
4. Pinnacle of the Performing Arts BAM —Brooklyn Academy of Music
Inaugurated in 1861, when Brooklyn was still an independent city, the Brooklyn Academy of Music has served as a major cultural force ever since. Drawing on deep historical ties with several acclaimed European theatres, BAM hosts top-flight international productions, in addition to maintaining its status as the premier NYC venue for cutting edge new work by local artists. Performances are held at either the intricately restored Harvey Theater or the grandiose Gilman Opera House.
5. Sushi par Excellence Sushi Yasuda
Arguably the best purveyor of sushi in New York City, Yasuda settles for nothing short of excellence. From the imposing wooden sushi counter, where you can order an omakase nonstop succession of delights, to the resolutely minimalist yet warm interior, every detail is meticulously executed. The lunch and dinner sushi sets are particularly enjoyable, as the chef will point out the day’s freshest ingredients for you to select from. Wherever possible, fish is locally sourced. A top-notch comprehensive sake list complements the menu.
Happy Monday. Nothing like talk of cocktails and characters to start off the week. Ever wonder what your favorite characters of literature and film are drinking? Ever cementing his fate as the true black sheep of the Corleone family, Fredo prefers a banana daiquiri. With a drink like that, you can tell he’s toast. It’s altogether a new kind of character study- method acting to its cocktail core.
A fun little chart by the kids at Pop Chart Lab. If I had a bar, I might have to hang this up- a great conversation piece.
Currently on Broadway as Mary Wilson of The Supremes in the hit show Motown, Ariana DeBose gives us a peek into a day in the life:
Ari, take us through your day:
My Morning:
My day always starts off with a cup of joe and some morning business.
-P.S.: as an actress, watching Crimes of the Heart totally counts as business- ha.
I’m working on my website and using the black and white fishnet veil image as inspiration.
My mom sent me this write up in my local Raleigh paper- what a nice surprise.
On my way to the 2 train, I spy some sensible graffiti art.
My Afternoon:
I squeeze in a quick photo shoot as I needed some new shots, I like how this one turned out- it’s my Mary Tyler Moore moment.
I head to the Genius Bar on the Upper West Side which I love because you don’t need an appointment.
I arrive at my dressing room to find my gown from Hilton Hollis- yay- for opening night, a huge perk of being on Broadway.
My latest obsession- Chimes Ginger Chews, they’re delicious and good for the vocal chords.
My fabulous dresser helps me restyle a dress I’ve already worn for another event.
I always pop in to stage management to say hello, we have an amazing and hardworking team.
That gooey gold lame is courtesy of the design talents of one Emilio Sosa- our costume designer. I’m the understudy for Diana Ross and I cannot wait to get into that gown.
My Evening:
A quick backstage photo op before curtain and then off to drinks with the legendary Martha Reeves and the Andantes (lucky me- another huge perk).
That’s a photo of my personal guru and master set designer, David Korins and I- he’s totally a genius.
And that’s a wrap- back uptown I go to start all over again tomorrow.
I’ve know Ari since she was a wee student of 18. Now she’s all of 22 strutting down the step and repeat with two Broadway shows and a stint on So You Think You Can Dance under her belt. Geez Louise, these young whipper snappers move fast today. She’s all abuzz on the New York theater scene and she took a few minutes out of her fun filled day to talk with us.
Did you always know you wanted to be on Broadway?
I always knew I wanted to perform. I figured out that Broadway was the place for me around age 12. The first musical I saw was Rent and there was something about that girl in the leopard coat (Mimi) that made me think I could do what she was doing.
What is your favorite thing about being on Broadway?
There are too many to count; but I just adore all the amazing people I get to meet.
What’s it like playing Mary Wilson?
It’s fabulous to play an icon every night! And Mary had so many dynamic qualities that make it so fun to play. She was a ball of sex appeal and utter joy.
How much do you love your costumes, and Emilio Sosa- what is he like to work with?
Emilio is so wonderful! He has such an eye for a woman’s body and how to capture the essence if each client or character. We had such a good time together with both the Mary track and my Diana understudy costumes. He worked to tailor the styles to my body and personality- makes a girl feel special!
Tell me about your training.
I trained at CC & Company Dance Complex in Raleigh, NC. I am Studio raised and grew up competing and taking class at conventions. I started taking private vocal lessons my junior year of high school and spent a short time at Western Carolina University where I took a very helpful acting class. But I am still training as we speak. I treat every job as a chance to learn something new, I’m constantly in dance class and training with my vocal coach.
What was it like being on So You Think?
SYTYCD was such a whirlwind. It was my first real audition experience and I learned a lot about myself and how to function in an audition. The show itself was just icing on the cake! I mean what 18 year old doesn’t enjoy being on TV?!
With an 8 show a week schedule and working 6 days a week, what is your perfect day off?
A day at the spa! I love to lounge in a pool with my best girls and a mimosa, throw in a full body massage and I’m set.
Sounds pretty great Ari. In your next life, you’re a…
Fashion Designer
Who or what inspires you?
PEOPLE inspire me. Every day I see something- an act of kindness, or something as small as a smile will inspire me.
Where is your favorite spot on the planet?
Austria. I sound like Maria Von Trapp, but I have never been more at peace then when I was there, the air is so clean.
What’s on your Bucket List?
So many things! I want to visit the rock of Gibraltar, climb the Sydney Harbor Bridge, ski the Alps and I definitely want to perform at the Kennedy Center.
What is something you really don’t need to do again?
No. More. Reality. Shows. It was fabulous while it lasted but I don’t need to do it again.
What are you reading and/or listening to?
I just bought Then Again by Diane Keaton. I really admire her and I’m enjoying her insight thus far and I’m currently listening to Morgan James Live: A Celebration of Nina Simone. This fierce white woman is singing for the gods!
What is your favorite personal possession:
I have a string of red beads from the 50′s my great grandmother gave me before she passed. I wear them whenever I want to feel fancy.
Favorite style or beauty trend of the season?
I’m living for this Aqua Fresh vibe this summer spotted via Marie Claire’s UK site.
Any show savvy tips for looking fabulous (preferably in 10 min. or less for us moms out here with zero beauty time on our hands)?
I love this tinted moisturizer from Laura Mercier. It’s lightweight and so easy to apply- I use it as my base- it’s FLAWLESS and sets your face up for the day.
What’s on your perfect menu?
I”m obsessed with grilled shrimp, sautéed asparagus &almonds, and Mediterranean couscous paired with a Kermit Lynch La Viarte Pinot Grigio…. Now I’m hungry!
Where do you want to be in 10 years?
That’s a hard question…. part of me would love to have transitioned into television while still living life in the city. I’m legitimately hoping that I will have gone back to school by then and earned a degree of some sort.
And last, what advice would you give to a young performer with stars in his or her eyes?
Don’t let anyone tell you no. Go after what you want and get creative to make things happen for yourself. I didn’t grow up with money but I worked, got scholarships, and talked to as many people as I could. Don’t ever forget the power of communication. You only get what you ask for, so put positive energy out into the world and you’ll get it back!
I just love this. Not sure why- maybe it’s the whole idea of having limits in such vastness or maybe it’s just cool. In any case, happy weekend to you all! I hope you enjoy the first days of June. We’re throwing a tiny birthday party for the tiny bebes. They turned one this week so they’ll be smashing some cakes and opening some presents- yippee.
I’m making this Banana & Blueberry Cake and this Carrot Cake- I just can’t go the full monty yet with the sugar and the ice cream. If you’re rolling your eyes at me as you read this, I don’t blame you. But they’ll be on to sugar soon enough and besides I’m in full on preservation mode. I absolutely love watching them grow but will so miss the tiny babe stage.
Ikea makes a really cool pharmacy cabinet. I would love this for my bathroom.
For anyone that has the time, here are some super cute DIY cocktail sticks to make your party pinterest perfect. My parties these days are definitely not darlingly designed, it’s more of the throw it all together at the last minute or let’s just have an impromptu picnic but hey- whatever works.
And next time I’m in San Fran (please let it be soon), I’m hitting this place up for fantastic curios and oddities.
Haven’t we all danced around our bedroom in our underwear to the Dixie Chicks, “Landslide”? I know I have. Check out Tyler Marcum dancing alongside his 20 year-old self. This is awesome, he was pretty inspired in that dorm room.
Animals that you didn’t know existed- love that Irawaddy Dolphin!
Wow. There are so many things to say about this and I really can’t tell whether it’s for real or a spoof but after it’s all said and done, it’s really all about that camel toe and that gallup. Wow.
Mario Batali’s way of welcoming the weekend- Wheeeeeeeeeeeee!
I’m starting a new series called “According to Jess” where my Southern, sassy and opinionated (in the best way) pal, Jess Hartman shares her lifestyle and travel tips. She’s a New Orleans native who splits her time between NYC and Baltimore, where she, her hubby Jason, and soon to be little girl dwell in a cute little row house. Jess and I did our first Broadway show together, The Boy From Oz- you really bond with someone when you originate a show together, not to mention sharing a tiny dressing room on the 4th floor of the Imperial Theater- ahh, those were the days!
We recently met for brunch in this historic and ridiculously cute waterfront Baltimore neighborhood and I fell in love with Fells. Fells Point- According to Jess:
PLAY:
One of the highlights of the year in Fells is the Films on the Pier series. Watch classic movies outside on the dock- how swoonful is that photo!
Our day in Fells:
The pier is so pretty and those big beautiful boats make want to jump onboard and yell Ahoy Matey! Jess does her best bevel in front of the Bond St. building- once a showgirl, always a showgirl. These pirate guys were killing me- they absolutely live for these weekends. That cute baby bump- can’t wait to meet the little Miss.
Jess’ Cabo Citrus Punch Mocktail direct from this dreamy place:
Don’t you just want to jump into that picture and order yourself a cocktail (or mocktail)? Calgon- take me to Cabo.
We served up a killer signature cocktail at our wedding back in ’08- wow it’s going to be 5 years this year. We had our mixologist (aka the caterer’s bartender) create a lavender & lemon twist martini. We named it “The Contender” after our favorite scene from On the Waterfront. Watch the scene here- acting at its finest before Brando got bored with it. My bridesmaids all carried lavender in their bouquets and I used lavender, rosemary, some wild herbs and citrus (for my home state of Florida) throughout the ceremony and reception.
Our Contender was a big hit and I recently saw a similar cocktail recipe on A Beautiful Mess via Rue here. This recipe is almost identical to ours minus the limoncello- we just used the shaved lemon zest and a twist to infuse the lemon flavor. The zesty sugar rim really makes the drink and the lavender simple syrup recipe is the same. It was a beautiful light lavender color and a perfect summertime cocktail.
A Beautiful Mess’ similar Lavender & Lemon Martini:
Lavender and Lemon Drop Martini via A Beautiful Mess, makes 2.
4 oz. vodka* 2 oz. limoncello 2 oz. lavender simple syrup (recipe below) 1 oz. fresh lemon juice
To make a citrus sugar rim mash together 1/4 cup sugar and the zest from one lemon. Dip your martini glass on to a shallow plate filled with water and then into the citrus sugar. Shake off any excess sugar. In a martini shaker filled with ice add the ingredients. Shake well and stain into two prepared glasses. Garnish with a lemon slice.
To make your own lavender simple syrup combine 1 cup water and 1 cup sugar in a small pot. Stir to dissolve the sugar and bring the water to a simmer. Stir in 1/2 tablespoon dried lavender buds or fresh lavender. Allow that to steep and reduce for 4-5 minutes. Remove from heat and strain out the lavender. If you want your simple syrup to be more purple in color add a little food dye.
Enjoy and Cin Cin!
{Images: Columbia Pictures, Twin Lens Photography, Elsie + Emma of A Beautiful Mess}
Bells are ringing and RSVP’s are lingering- put that stamp on it and send it in! What to get those lovely people in your lives who are tying the knot. You could just go off the registry- which they will undoubtedly appreciate- but if that’s not how you roll, here are a few things I thought were really beautiful, creative and fun.
How pretty and cool is this and what bride wouldn’t absolutely love it. Yes, you’ll have to figure something out for the groom because this isn’t exactly up his alley but she will adore it. What a beautiful way to remember and celebrate her bouquet. Lulie Wallace illustrates and creates commissioned renderings based on a photo of the bridal bouquet.
Create a custom crest for the lucky couple with illustrator Happy Menocal. I’m a big fan of her work and I think that her custom heraldry is just too much fun. What a quirky, beloved gift, and a great excuse to commission something from this talented artist. I want one.
Go old school and personalize some hostess linens but with a twist. Mark & Graham‘s typographic linens are stylish and fun. I love all the fonts.
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)
read more...
