We want the funk! Gotta have that funk. And I love it when it comes in a low alcohol bottle of French hard apple cider, of all things. Festive and fall-like this one’s organic, unfiltered (oh yeah!) and sports just the right amount of funk as demonstrated by the fabulous Bootsy Collins below. Ha. Here’s what I got: Etienne Dupont Cidre Bouché Brut de Normal, $10. Yum. Pair With: Roasted veggies or meats, anything that is slightly sweet as its fruity effervescence will bring the sweetness out in your dish. Party Tip: Switch it up and serve this cider instead[…]

  

Happy Weekend dear readers. Did you all celebrate Halloween? It was the bebes’ second Halloween and we ventured out with friends to a local event. Lee Street in Old Town Alexandria legendarily hosts a beautiful trick-or-treat extravaganza. I was completely blown away by it. Imagine Colonial-era row homes all decked out in their spookiest best, sporting haunting houses, interior tableaus of the dearly departed and pumpkins galore. It is a beautiful combination of Colonial meets Southern tradition and haunting voyeurism not for the faint of heart. Peer into a window and you may see a skeletal family residing on that[…]

  

Though I can’t claim to be a home-brewing moonshiner, I’ve secretly always wanted to be. I’m starting an experiment in homemade liquor. Before I start dumping cornmeal and sugar in my bathtub, I thought I would start slowly and just stick a pear in a jar with some vodka. Wimpy? Maybe. But I think it will be good, and a lot less messy than bona fide moonshining. I’m starting The Poire Project and making my own Poire William- the French classic eau de vie after-dinner drink distilled from Bartlett (or William, as they say in Frenchie parts) pears. Sounds easy[…]

  

Ok I know Halloween isn’t even here yet and I don’t like to jump the holiday gun (although my husband would beg to differ as he thinks I start the Christmas music a wee too early… he’s right), but I can’t help thinking about my Thanksgiving table. We’ll be hosting dinner this year with my in-laws at their Harlem brownstone. I’m bring the table stylings and cook the crunchy squash & sage, Texas-style cornbread stuffing, roasted sprouts and pecan pie. We’ll all have a hand in the turkey I imagine but for now, I’m dreaming of the table. A gorgeous Mexican[…]

  

What can I say folks, I’m caught up in a self-inflicted Central Coast Pinot frenzy. I just can’t get enough. And this from a pre-Sideways devotee (big fan since my days as an Angeleno in the late 90s, folks). Seriously the juice from this part of the world just gets better and better. These California winemakers are not messing around. And this one for $13, is right on. So what do you get for 13 bucks? It can’t be much right? We are talking about Pinot Noir, one of the most tricky and tough grapes to grow. This grape can[…]

  

What to do with those juicy fall figs? Get ‘em while they’re hot because they’re about to say sayonara for the season. This is the most ridiculously easy and delicious dish. Get your hands on some figs, fresh ricotta, local honey and Ta-to-the-Da… the most amazing little appetizer or side dish. Your guests will be psyched, as will you. What You Need:  1. A Handful of Figs 2. Fresh Ricotta Cheese 3. Honey 4. Freshly Ground Black Pepper What You Do:  1. Preheat your broiler. 2. Half your figs. 3. Arrange on a piece of parchment paper on a cooking[…]

  

Oh Julia, ’tis true. Happy Weekend dear readers. I hope this finds you all cozy and warm. We are having a big cold spurt here, the first of the season. My mom is in town so we’re going to hit up Mount Vernon for its annual fall festival and a local Halloween parade on Sunday. What are you all up to? What I’m Drinking This Weekend: You guessed it, it’s another Central Coast Pinot. I’m still loving on these Pinots (always will but having a particular taste for them at the moment), good stuff and great for fall. I’ll be[…]

  

I dig it. Jennifer Kindell sells her art via her online store and her mobile business in San Francisco. My next kitchen is jonesin’ for this Blue Artichoke. This Albion Strawberry would be terrific in a playroom or the kitchen. The color is delicious. And this Belgian Endive is kind of rocking my world. Pretty palette. This is some serious painterly produce with a point of view. Go big or go home. Related posts:Couch Tripping: Far MeadowFloaty & Dreamy PrintsHappy Weekend!

  

I’m happy to report that my weekend wine was quite delicious. A Cab Franc from California’s Santa Ynez region- that beloved and be-darlinged Central Coast- this one was rounder than a Loire Cab Franc and a bit less lean, but made in the Loire style it is delicate with hints of earth and fruit. Bright and vibrant, while it doesn’t express the lead pencil and green bell pepper notes that I love in a Loire, it does have plenty of minerality and lively fruit- a great food wine. I am so drawn to Loire’s Cab Francs that I find it[…]

  

Happy Weekend dear readers! What adventures are afoot for you all this autumn weekend? I wish I could say we’re hosting one of our infamous backyard movie nights but we don’t have a backyard. The minute I get my hands on one, this is going down every Friday night that weather permits. Come on over, I’ll let you know when we’re outdoor cinema ready. No-backyard aside, we have an action packed agenda (just the way I like ‘em). C and I are off to see Gravity tonight and then bar hop a bit through Old Town for an upcoming post I’m[…]