I am surprised I did not need to be rolled to this computer in order to write this post. But really, this week was basically dedicated to gustatory delights and rich cuisine! Here are a few photos taken straight from my iPhone so that you can see the calories through mine own eyes. At the start of the week I was visiting my new nephew Zachary Fionn (and helping to change diapers, feed babies, empty the dishes, and make food for the family) , and during the rest of the week I was back in NYC at my new JOB.
- My sister’s kitchen is simple, clean, and a little rustic. The layered candles, rattan chairs, and mirrored sconces help to create an inviting space. However, my absolutely favorite piece is the Mason Jar Chandelier, found HERE. No longer are canning jars just for pickling!
- We had not one, but TWO dinner parties, this week in the Chelsea walkup. Apartment 9 was bustling with the smells of the kitchen, the laughter of friends, and a lot of wine. On Saturday night, our guests asked if they could bring dessert – OF COURSE WE SAID YES. Lydia and Marcia brought this phenomenally decorate caked purchased at The Riviera Bakehouse in Ardsley, NY. My savory tooth is usually much stronger than my sweet tooth, but the icing on this cake was perfectly done – not too overly sweet. How adorable is that chocolate bee buzzing on a flower petal?
- While bored one night I decided to paint my nails in an ombre palette of colors – baby blue, navy, and Prussian blue. Inspired by THIS.
- Michael and my good friend Joanna is leaving the auspices of NYC in order to make it big in LA! She is going to be a a famous comedy writer! She also blogs, interviews, and was the Photo Gallery Editor for the New York Daily News. She is generally snarky, loves puppies, and is television enthusiast. This Saturday morning was her going-away brunch at Esperanto! This $11.95 prix fixe brunch comes with coffee, a mimosa, and an entree (above is the Huevos Rancheros). YOU CANNOT beat that. Straight from Jo’s twitter account, she writes – “The last brunch (where’s Jesus?)”:
- For your viewing pleasure, my Benjamin Moore Paint Chalk-wall, side by side. Number 5 is Friday’s Shabbat Dinner menu: Russet Potato Medley, Red Snapper in Moroccan Salt Rub with White Wine Sauce, and Mustard Seed and Panko Crusted Shrimp (how kosher). We also played CRANIUM until the wee hours of the morning.
- Number 6 is Saturday’s menu: Charcuterie, Garlic Bread, Lemon Ponzu Asparagus, and Chicken Puttanesca! This dinner actually beat the dinner from the night before, according to unanimous voting.
- I have an olive addiction. Recently I have tried to cure my own olives (with salt not lye) but have failed miserably. Anyone have any good recipes and suggestions? The green olives in the forefront are my favorite varietal, Cerignola, from Italy. Did you know that all olives are technically green and only change color (to black or purple) because of sun exposure, nutrient richness, and maturation? If you scratch off the skin of ANY black olive, you will find some green hiding underneath. ALSO, never ever ever eat a freshly picked olive…blegh.
- I don’t think I have ever turned down the chance to eat Nutella on anything. The giant jar in this photo is $90 dollars and is filled with 11 lbs of Nutella. These photos are from Bar Suzette Creperie. They even have TRUFFLE CREPES.
- My sister was craving some major comfort foods so I made a tuna, mac, cheese, peas, carrots, and breadcrumbs casserole! It tasted like a take on a Shepherd’s Pie. Don’t you love those bright cast iron pots? My favorite is Le Creuset Cookware.
- This carved wooden artwork was part kitsch, part tiki, and part Coney-Island. It had a goofy sense of humor that kept me amused. In the East Village, Esperanto is decorated colorfully, with Latin-themed pictures, ornaments hanging from the ceiling, and a faux sheet metal shack with random cruise-ship doors. I wish I knew what artist made this hysterical wall ornament!
What did YOU do this week?
The Walkup 