Dark street, dark door, dark curtain...everyone in black. We were kindly greeted by our NY friends and Death & Co. regulars. They introduced us to the guru drink guy. He gave us a nod as he created his magik. We cozied into our booth and let the waitress guide us into a new and rediscovered culture of well mixed drinks. They went out of their way to get it right and make us happy. The whole experience will be with us for a while. Well worth seeking out the dark doors! … [Read more...]
Feast - All things related to feasting.
Oops, I did it Again!
By on January 5, 2009 with
I have been credited for chucking meat on purpose. Over the years, in fact, I have chucked several semi-loads of bad meat. I know, I know....people are starving in....this is bad shopping, bad planning, bad karma! I have been in my house for three solid days with these roasts and hamburger patties, and still they did not managed to get cooked or served. This is my meat chucking confessional. I don't take it lightly. The meat got chucked again: here & here. If I was a better planner/cook/ok, even MOTHER.....then, I … [Read more...]
Uncle Bonnie’s Favorite Food Memory
By on January 1, 2009 with
Chris Ann and I have been asking people, "What is your favorite food memory?" Many people respond with, "I've never thought about that!" I posed this question to my Aunt Bonnie over the holidays. Aunt Bonnie is an artist and has always been the eccentric aunty of the family...that's why we call her Uncle Bonnie! She has created art all over the world. I had the privilege of helping her with a mural here in Baltimore when I was a teenager. She is currently wrapping up her first comic novel! Needless to say she's very … [Read more...]
Holiday Sangria for Peace of “Mine”
By on December 28, 2008 with
My sister-n-law, Kim, made a fantastic and festive punch this Christmas that we all enjoyed with appetizers before each feast. She reminded me of a time I had forgotten, a slice of "peace" sandwiched between, shopping, wrapping, and holiday meals come and gone. A couple of years ago, Kim and I had managed to escape the craziness of the holiday madness going on in my home-- think six kids cooped in, tired and wired on sugar and excitement. We had asked our husbands to take over the mayhem while we escaped for some peace of … [Read more...]
Piedigrotta in Baltimore
By on December 15, 2008 with
There are no words to describe the pastries, pies and cookies at Piedigrotta Bakery! One taste of their fig bread and I knew I had entered another time, place and era. I have yet to find a bakery in Baltimore that has the quality and depth of an old world bakery! There are no short steps here! If you haven't made a visit to this bakery on Bank...you are missing a true gem! … [Read more...]
I thought I’d never!
By on December 10, 2008 with
I didn't know if I even wanted to admit this. I've been agonizing over whether to share this with you or not. But, it's about honesty, right? Being transparent in this blog...right? Ok, on Thanksgiving morning, a bunch of us handed out "love feasts" all over Baltimore city. Different people donated turkeys, potatoes and baked goods. Then about 50 of us gathered Thanksgiving morning to distribute 200 plates of food to homeless, shut ins and anyone else we met. It was a beautiful morning! But, as you can see, I was asked to … [Read more...]
Roasted Gems
By on December 9, 2008 with
Just had to add a quick blip...roasted gems...I personally think should be added to every Thanksgiving Menu! Cut golden beets, red beets, parsnips, turnips, carrots in large chunks. Toss together with a little olive oil, salt and pepper and roast on 375 F, covered with foil until soft. Can take up to one hour or longer depending on the size of the cut. Let them cool a bit, then toss and watch the gems glisten!! … [Read more...]
Red Canoe Muffin Run
By on December 3, 2008 with
We make muffin runs to the Red Canoe! The muffins at this local joint is the unique element that sets the Red Canoe apart. We have hunted high and low for just the right muffin in Baltimore. They are usually too sweet or over processed. Not at the Red Canoe! My personal favorite has chunks of mango holding the muffin together...moist and fresh...best slightly heated up and enjoyed with a black cup of Zeke's coffee! … [Read more...]
The Baby
By on December 2, 2008 with
He walked in with the baby. It looked like it was at least 30 lbs. It was round and plump and it quickly took me back to another place and time. Italy in 2007. It was night and we wound our way around the twisty Florence roads (it was somewhere near the Piazzale Michelangelo). On the right we noticed a sign. It looked quaint and tucked away. We pulled in and parked the car. As we descended down the steps, an Eden of a back yard unfolded before our eyes! There were maybe eight tables set up and set aglow by candlelight. … [Read more...]
Hafta Have Yifta, Don’t-ya-know!
By on November 30, 2008 with
Thanksgiving dinner in our family would not be complete, don't ya know, without a festive layered bowl of red and white Yifta. The entire dinner conversation at my first Thanksgiving with my husband's family was abowt Yifta. The mystery of Yifta, I was told, begins with the mysterious transformation of three simple ingredients to heavenly cakey delight, overnight, covered in the fridge. What are the three top secret ingredients in Yifta? Have you ever tried Yifta? Who makes the Yifta? Where did the Yifta come from? Is it a … [Read more...]
