We headed out to Arcadia Farm in Alexandria this weekend to partake in the feast and wonder that is, Outstanding in the Field. I’ve been swooning over images of this touring outdoor dinner party for years and this year we decided to treat ourselves. We met some fantastic new friends and dined in perfect weather among the greens, beehives, chickens and ripe produce of the farm. The Arcadia leg of the Outstanding tour has showcased the culinary talents of Kyle Bailey and Tiffany MacIsaac of DC’s Birch and Barley for the past three years, this year being their three-peat. We feasted on goat wrapped in goat, chicken thigh confit pasta with cockscomb, corn, and fresh herbs (my favorite dish of the evening), sunchoke soup with pickled red apples and marjoram, tons of freshly picked and roasted veggies- grilled cucumber a standout, and the piéce de resistance, S’Mores toasted at the table. Here’s the menu- read it and weep:

For me the most unique part of the dinner- aside from dining IN the very farm that most of the meal came from- was the craft beer pairing courtesy of Greg Engert and Bluejacket DC, Birch and Barley’s latest offering. We tasted through suds that had yet to be poured even for the Bluejacket staff. Big stuff and seriously good. I overhead a couple bemoaning the beer pairing at the beginning of the dinner. “We’re just not beer drinkers”, they worried aloud. By the end of the night, not a drop of their drink was left in their high stemmed wine glasses, I rather enjoyed watching that happen. I also enjoyed drinking those crafty brews from said wine glasses, a nice touch. I highly recommend an outing to Bluejacket once they are open for business. My favorite brew of the night- the Belgian Blond, Bluejacket & De Struise Batch. They are still in the process of naming their new beers, a process that Mr. Engert admits is highly stressful, so if you go- just ask for the Belgian Blond. I found it to be beautifully aromatic with notes of white flowers, wild herbs and a hint of clove- very smooth with light hops. They were actually all fantastic, but my new friends and I agreed that a permanently planted bottomless keg of the Belgian Blond in our kitchens (or garage if you’re ‘burby) would be a very good idea.

Outstanding in the Field was founded by Chef Jim Denevan, a guy who loves food, loves to cook and even more, just wanted to find a way to do what he loved and spend as much time as possible surfing the Santa Cruz break. He came up with the idea of hosting outdoor dinner parties at the site of the local farms his restaurant did business with. The outdoor dinners instantly took off, Jim bought a ’53 Flexible bus and went on the road. The rest is history. Outstanding now plays 48 farms, beaches and plains across America from late spring through early fall. They partner with local farms, organizations and communities that are helping to support the food crisis that our nation faces.

Arcadia Farm has proven to be a perfect partner in this mission. After walking the farm and hearing Arcadia’s own story, I came home and immediately became a donor. I love their mission. Their Mobile Market manages to feed and supply fresh produce to a huge population of DC’s inner city while hosting a slew of free cooking classes. Just as Outstanding’s mission is to reconnect diners with the land and the original source of their food, Arcadia’s is to furnish that food in a sustainable manner to those that may not have access to it. Cool.

As the sun set on our very long table, the candles came out and the scene turned romantic and twinkly- just the way I like it. Giddy from the deliciousness of everything, the arrival of the cherry lambic marshmallows, toasting sticks, and chocolate dipped graham crackers were set on the table, immediately set us all into the 8 year-old version of ourselves. Passing and sharing the flame across the table, it was fun sharing such a childlike and intimate moment with newfound friends. What a great way to end an evening.

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For My Arm: The perfect fold-over clutch by Clare Vivier. It’s backordered but worth the wait.

For My Dopamine Levels: Fruition Dark Milk Chocolate with Fleur de Sel.

For My Couch: Vintage Kilim pillow by Leif. I love these colors and am a sucker for anything that sings of the Southwest.

For His Feet: Julius Snuff boots by Peter Nappi.

For My Feet: Cross-Buckle Booties by Seychelles- I am the proud owner of these supe- comfy-go-with-everything booties.

{Images: clutch- House in the Hills, chocolate- James Ransom}

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Ha. Ha. Modern day mean girls.

Happy Weekend dear readers. I hope you all are off to a spectacular and fun-filled fall weekend. We are heading out to the Outstanding in the Field dinner at Alexandria’s Arcadia Farms this afternoon. I have been wanting to do this for a few years now and we finally decided to treat ourselves for our fifth anniversary. The guys from DC’s Birch and Barley (yum) are headlining the event with Chef Kyle Bailey and Pastry Chef Tiffany MacIsaac at the helm- we’ll be in good hands. This particular dinner features a craft beer pairing with each course. I cannot wait. We’ve got some serious foodie friends coming into town this weekend as well so we’ll meet them at DC’s Jefferson Hotel for brunch on Sunday with the bebes. I’m just hoping the clientele is cool with a couple of toddlers in the midst of utensil experimentation. Wish us luck. Meanwhile, we’re trying to figure out whether or not we should take the plunge and head out to the ‘burbs. Never having lived in more than 800 square feet as a grown adult since well, ever- it would be nice to have more space but tough to leave city living behind. What say you suburban folks? Good stuff?

My Weekend Wine: What I’ll be sipping this weekend to help me mull over our impending ‘burbiness- Bordeaux baby. It is back, in a big way. Not too long ago, somms and winos alike were turning up their noses at the stodgy blends of yore. 2nd growths and futures on those big Chateau brands became a snore. Not anymore kids. When Richard Betts (probably the smartest wine dude in the business) sets out to make a $20 dollar Bordeaux, you know times they are a-changing. Somms in the know are wild about his blends. I’ll be sipping his ’10 Carte Verte. It’s a game changer folks, and a perfect fall wine. Bordeaux is cool- who would have thought.

A little link love and a few things that caught my eye this week:

This is one of the funniest things I saw this week. We are a #hashtaghappy society. It’s getting a wee tad bit out of control. Thanks QuestLove for setting us straight. #enoughalready #ha

1. Anna Watson Carl’s advice on throwing a fall dinner party and she would know. Chef, food and travel writer and test kitchen cook extraordinaire, Anna is infamous for the dinner parties she throws at her Yellow Table in NYC’s Nolita.

2. Designer Digs. Karl Lagerfeld is one voracious reader. I love all of those books!

3. These booties. I don’t know where I would wear them being that my threshold for heels over 2 inches ceased at 30, but I totally want them.

4. Is this cute or what! I am newly in love with this little shop for its darling little girls’ clothes. Affordable too.

5. I love this print by Britt Bass- again it’s that frustrated abstract artist in me that’s dying to come out. In the meantime, I’ll just admire and patronize the work of those that are actually imbued with painterly talent. (I just bought this one- will look great in our maybe soon-to-be new space.)

6. Giant umbrella-toting cement people floating over a city in the Czech Republic- sign me up.  I love this installation by artist Michal Trpak.

7. What a great idea. A plastic floor rug- perfect for the kitchen.

8. If Batman were a dad, it would be pretty awesome- this is hilarious. My favorite part is how annoyed his wife is with the whole thing.

And, I’m intrigued by One Fine Stay- a new vacation rental company that curates your stay in a local’s apartment complete with white fluffy towels and tiny shampoo for the taking. NYC, London, LA and Paris apartment rentals, these digs are pretty fabulous. Check out this minimalist apartment in Le Marais. Then there’s this one and this one in the Left Bank- those herringbone floors and those giant windows- I can’t stand it.

Ok, one more thing. “Six Words To Say To Today”- this is kind of interesting parenting advice.

{Images: Fall Dinner Party Chalk Board and Cake- Signe Birck, Karl Lagerfeld’s Paris apartment- Elle Decor Japan, Trpak installation- My Modern Met, Kitchen with Throw Rug- Laure Joliet}

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When one of my best girls sent me photos of her recent birthday dinner, I knew I had to share. This is not your ordinary birthday dinner folks. Nope. But it can be- and that’s why I wanted to post.

My girl Kristen’s friends asked her what she wanted for her birthday and she told them: “An outdoor dinner- friends, husbands, babysitters, candles, potluck style”. So these girls joined forces to create a spectacular evening for Kristen on their neighborhood beach in Rowayton, Connecticut.

Now let’s talk about Rowayton aka Pleasantville, as I like to call it. This place is crazy. I went to visit Kristen about a year after she’d moved to said Lovely Town, U.S.A. and could not believe its charm. In one afternoon, not one, not two, but three neighbors casually stopped by her front porch to say hi and it doesn’t stop there- they were actually hand delivering freshly baked goods. Yes, it’s true. Places like this do exist. A sleepy little waterfront town in Connecticut, most have never heard of NYC commuter-friendly Rowayton, it is pleasant indeed. I love the local seafood shack, pizzeria and ice cream shops- they’re right out of a Rockwell painting. The town is dotted with lovely homes and shorelines, one of the loveliest of those lines pictured here at their beachy-chic gathering.

So, let’s talk about this dinner party. With the babies in bed, these five couples pulled together a memorable and beautiful night. I wanted to share how easy it is to throw together a gorgeous outdoor evening. Take advantage of the few warm evenings we have left this year and plan a picnic-chic dinner party with a little help from your friends. You don’t need a beach- although it doesn’t hurt- just a picnic table will do.

These guys collaborated to create a delicious menu. Each couple brought either a cocktail, side or dessert while Kristen and her hubby Kurt brought their infamous perfectly grilled salmon as the main course.

The table was effortlessly styled with lovely blue linens, silverware, fresh flowers, and hurricane vases for lots of ambient light (lighting is everything as we all know). They left the fragile glassware at home and kept it simple opting for the trusty plastic cup. I absolutely love the way it looks. Bravo ladies and gents.

The Menu:
Watermelon Cocktails
Mixed Cheeses
Farro Salad
Perfectly Grilled Salmon
Chocolate Ganache Cupcakes

Yum, right! And simple. And potluck- even better.

Thanks gals for sharing.

{Images: Kristen Schaefer Geisler}

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How pretty is this little breakfast nook. Those doors and that fixture- so simple and pretty, I could manage my cup of coffee and morning emails at that table. Happy Weekend to you all, dear readers! I hope you are all off to some fun and festive fall activities. We going on a fall family vacation with friends to a Dirty Dancing-style resort in West Virginia. I CAN NOT wait. A full report and post to come. What’s in the planning for you all?

A little link love and a few things that caught my eye:

1. A D.J. school for babies- only in Brooklyn folks.

2. Eric Ripert bans e-cigarettes at Le Bernadin because they’re tacky. I love him.

3. Kelly Wearstler has put the Glamazon into Cameron Diaz’s NYC apartment . 

4. Oversized portraiture is invading Pinterest. I don’t know, I’m on the fence about these, except for Dylan of course- I kind of love the way that looks. What do you think?

5. AND… Shark Tank’s back. I know, I’m a dork but I love that show.

6. Anna Nicole- the new opera presented by NYC Opera at BAM gets a rave.

{Images: Breakfast Nook- Design Within Reach, Anna Nicole- Sara Krulwich, e-cigarette- Reuters, Cameron Diaz’s apt and Bob Dylan oversize portrait- Elle Decor}

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Merroir has been on my hit list ever since tasting the Rappahannock Oyster Co.’s beautiful little bivalves last fall at DC’s Union Market. These guys aren’t messing around. After reviving their great-grandfather’s oyster business by googling (yes googling) oyster farming, the Croxton boys are off and running.

The ever-handy tool of the mighty interwebs has done them well. Ryan and Travis Croxton run a thriving oyster farm with a lovely tasting room, Merroir, right on the banks of the Rappahannock River and have since opened two more restaurants in DC and Virginia within the last year. Oh, and their first customer was none other than the greatest seafood chef in all the land, Chef Eric Ripert of Le Bernadin. You read that right. If it’s good enough for Ripert, well then- I mean, I had to go.

After a long and windy drive through the Chesapeake region of southern Virigina, we arrived at a sleepy and picturesque little marina with a modest building and a beautiful shell-bottomed and red umbrella-dotted outdoor dining room. This is Merroir. It’s pretty dreamy. My mom and I hauled the kiddos down to Topping to partake of these freshly shucked tasties. I was prepared for the tastiness but not for the dreaminess. The food other than the oysters (is there such a thing when you’re surrounded by such raw divinity?) is terrific as well. We had some tasty sliders made from local Angus beef and a seared pesto tuna steak that was so fresh and flavorful. The kiddos chowed on a caprese salad- you cannot go wrong. A lunch to remember, this place is well worth the drive. It’s about an hour from Williamsburg, VA., if you happen to be in Williamsburg, you know- just stopping by to join in on all of the Colonial revelry. From DC, it’s about 2 1/2 hours. A hike yes, but if you’re an oyster fan- do yourself a favor and treat yourself to this little enclave. Make an overnight of it and stay at The Tides Inn, a beautiful waterfront resort in nearby Irvington, or tuck yourself in at the darling Hope and Glory Inn in town.

If you can’t make it down to Topping and find yourself in DC, a trip to Union Market is must. You can’t call yourself a foodie while in DC without a visit to Union Market. Saddle up to the marble slab of a bar at the Rappahannock Oyster Co. and order yourself a glass of Muscadet or a Lambic to accompany your dozen. My favorites on the half shell are the Olde Salts, but they’re all delicious.

Merroir- Topping, VA.
Rappanhannock Oyster Co.-Union Market, DC
Rappahannock- Richmond, VA.

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C and I recently celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary. This was a quiet one. We have both been traveling and working too much so we just stayed in and popped a bottle of ’03 Iron Horse Brut LD (a close up of this divine sparkler above). My brother Ben and my sister-in-law, Lauren gave us this yummy bottle after their recent trip to the winery.

I usually go in for old world bubbly especially when I’m going vintage, but this bottle is delicious and really interesting. Layered, zippy, creamy, biscuity, floral and well-balanced, this American vintage sparkler is a new favorite. I really love Iron Horse but had never indulged in their vintage LD (Late Disgorged)- which basically means that the wine is kept on its lees (yeast) longer than usual- this process can add more of those yummy brioche and toasty notes to your bubbly.

We drank this deliciousness with this dish which I’ve been making for years- it’s always a winner and so easy! Its savoriness matched the creaminess of the wine perfectly.

I highly recommend. Thanks B&L!

What I got:

’03 Iron Horse LD Brut

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Another imprecise recipe from yours truly. No exacto proportions here, just some chopping, tearing and sprinkling. Take advantage of those juicy, ripe peaches while they are still marvelously in season.

This salad is absolutely delicious and surprisingly filling. I had it last night for dinner with nothing else (which is trés unusual for me as I am a hearty eater).

Peachy Basil & Mozzarella Salad
Serves 2

What You Need:
3 small or 2 big peaches
Handful of fresh basil
1 big ball of fresh mozzarella
Sea Salt
Ground Pepper
Olive Oil

What You Do: 
1. Place your peaches on a plate.
2. Tear off pieces of fresh mozzarella.
3. Tear off pieces of fresh basil.
4. Drizzle with olive oil.
5. Sprinkle with sea salt and pepper.

Voilá! It’s super yum and easy.

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I love a gallery wall. I shall one day enjoy one complete with a striped settee- totally going to copy this look.

Happy Weekend dear readers! I hope you have an excellent Labor Day as we officially kiss summer goodbye. Arrivederci summertime- ’til next year. I hope you have some fun plans. No biggies over here, just hangin’ round.

So… among more important things that occurred this past week, this happened:

I had to google the word “twerk”.

I endured a 7 hour bus ride to NYC (should have been 4.5). I know, whoa is me, right- 1st world problems- but when you get into the wine industry because you have a good “nose”, there is inevitably a downside. This said bus was wafting with an intense bouquet of ripe b.o. Yes you read that right. Having an acute olfactory system is awesome when you’re sniffing the good stuff but man oh man, I wish I could turn this thing off when things go wrong.

I caught up with my fabulous and dear friend Cristy and we stayed up talking way past my bedtime.

My kiddos are just getting funnier by the minute- it’s awesome.

I played charades with mom and brother via text. I did. And I guessed the clue with only a few characters. It’s a new world, folks.

Matt Damon comes to Ben Affleck’s rescue, “You know, he’s not playing King Lear. It’s Batman!”. Nice. What are you trying to say Damon? Affleck can’t do Lear? Ha. I personally think Ben will be a stellar Batman and loved Patton Oswalt’s thoughts.

“I’m the King of the Barbarians!” Tortured though he may be, Mike Tyson never disappoints with an amazing sound bite.

And as always, a little link love:

1. Support our dear friend Super Maeve by sporting one of these cute tees in her honor. Her inspiring parents are hoping to raise awareness for children’s cancer with this project. Maeve is the most amazing two year-old bravely fighting a rare form of cancer and kicking its butt. All hail Super Maeve!

2. Twerk Schmerk-this guy can take Miley any day with his mad Vogue-ing skills.

3. This is just fantastic!

4. I love Caitlin MacGauley’s illustrations. I just bought this leopard print for my desk.

5. And then saw this photo with my envelope in her bike basket via her instagram account- what a weird world.

6. I can’t wait to read this. Marilyn Hagerty’s book on food in America with a foreword by Anthony Bourdain. You probably recognize the 87 year-old Hagerty from her numerous tv appearances when her review of an Olive Garden restaurant went viral. Her earnest review started a snarkfest and Bourdain quickly rushed to her defense. In the foreword he writes that, “this book kills snark dead”. I like it.

7. On the flip side, I’m psyched about all of the chic-chic fall restaurant openings – especially Contra and Ivan Ramen in NYC (and if I still lived in Hell’s Kitchen I’d be psyched about Gotham West Market), Shoo-Fly in Baltimore and Maketto in DC.

And… this is silly and worth a few minutes: Sh*t Southern Women Say- this sh*t is funny- these gals are great.

{Images: Jenny Komenda Little Green Notebook, Nowness, Caitlin McGauley}

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Ok guys, this one comes from our resident Clever Girl, Natalia Goldman. A jack of all trades, this chica is momma to four, surgeon, and creative craft and cook extraordinaire.

This is an imprecise recipe- just the way I like ‘em. No exact proportions here, just make according to taste. Isn’t this the way most of us cook anyway?

Natalia gives her kids little tasks when cooking or creating. Breaking up the walnut pieces or crumbling the pecorino would be a great sous chef duty for your little ones.

For a little foray into fall, break out the figs for this scrumptious salted salad.

What You Need: 
1 bunch of Kale (chopped fine)
Figs (halved or quartered)
Walnuts (chipped into bite size pieces)
Sea Salt
Olive Oil
Apple Cider Vinegar
Pecorino (crumbled)
Lemon Juice (squeeze from one lemon)

What You Do:
1. Pour your chopped kale into a big bowl.
2. Add olive oil, salt and lemon juice to taste.
3. Massage juices and salt into your kale and let sit. (this makes it less bitter)
4. Add in walnuts and figs.
5. Mix in your pecorino.
6. Add a bit of apple cider vinegar to taste.

Voilá! Easy peasy and so healthy.
P.S.: Did you ever think you’d be massaging your kale? I love it. Thanks Natalia!

My pairing:
Since we’re still on the heels of fall, I’m pairing this with a tasty Bandol rosé- Domaine de Terrebrune.
For me, it doesn’t get better than a Bandol. Tavels are usually always reliable but there is something special and a bit spicy about a Bandol. Terrebrune is one of the best, imported by Kermit Lynch (of course), and available at Zachy’s for $17.99/bottle- a deal.

The Contributor:

{Image: Natalia Goldman}

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