Sweet Blog O'Mine

v. 2.0

  • Flora and Fauna

    Star
    Orange
    Bunny

    Last weekend I took a trip with Mom & Stephen to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden (after a lovely brunch at James).  It was a gorgeous day, and quite relaxing to wander through what feels, at times, like wilderness, despite being right in the heart of Brooklyn.  It was the first time I ever saw a rabbit in New York City that wasn't on a plate in some form . . .

    This weekend was filled with a quiet night on Friday, a run Saturday, which was a perfect way to reflect on the anniversary of 9/11, errands, and a bi-borough night out with friends galore and stops at Death & Company, Dram, and Fatty Cue.

    Today started with challah, french toast followed by an afternoon trip to visit law school friends for a back to school party.  It's always so nice to see their kids, but walking into a small apartment filled with well over a dozen kids was quite overwhelming, to put it mildly (there may have been palpitations involved).  It got much more enjoyable as the crowd thinned out and I could chat with their girls (and them) in a calmer atmosphere.  The rainy evening has made me tired, so I'm headed to bed early tonight, hoping to get a jump start on the week.

  • Challah Back!

    Challah

    Yes, I baked it myself!  As always, the Jewish New Year is a time of reflection, the beginning of repentance in preparation for Yom Yippur, sometimes a trip to services, and always, an excuse to get people together over a meal.  Last night I had my brother and some friends over to celebrate the holiday.  Many of the guests didn't know each other before that night, and we had a great time — the last stragglers stayed till around midnight.  I was particularly thrilled that someone took me up on my dinner invitation via a post on my Facebook page!  That said, I'm happy that all 800+ of my Facebook friends didn't take me up on it; space might have been a bit of an issue.  Bill, Laura, Karen, Zach & Samantha — it was a pleasure to celebrate Rosh Hashanah and break bread with you.  I'll be sure to keep you posted if there's a Yom Kippur break-fast in the works.

    The menu and recipes are below:

    Challah (1/2 recipe); Vegetarian chopped liver (made from mushrooms, onions and walnuts); Butternut squash soup with parmesan and fried sage leaves; Cook's Illustrated slow cooker brisket; A Jewish homesteader's potato kugel (from Joan Nathan's Jewish Cooking in America); mixed green salad; flourless chocolate cake (from Falai, via Dean & Deluca), apples and honey.

  • Brooklyn Fare

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    I was lucky enough to be included in a small group for a private dinner at Brooklyn Fare Sunday night.   Short story — it was amazing.  Go.

  • To Ruth!

    My Favorite Supreme!

    As I read this article about Ruth Bader Ginsburg, I was once again reminded how much I admire this woman.  I wrote a paper about her equal rights work when I was in law school and I have had the honor and good fortune to see her speak several times.  She is small and slight (even shorter than I am), but commands a room with the power of her words. Truly remarkable.  So tonight, I'll raise a glass to Ruth — my favorite Supreme. (Please forgive the photo; it was taken with my old crappy cameraphone when I saw her last in person)

  • Back to Life . . . Back to Reality

    Lighthouse

    What a relaxing week — cooking, runs, yoga, laughs, naps, and sand between my toes.  Thanks to Em & Jenn for keeping me company and to John for the hospitality.  I returned to NYC late Friday night to ease the transition, and had a fantastic Saturday at the Greenmarket, followed by some lounging in my backyard (a.k.a. Washington Square Park) and a visit to the Rhum Rhum Room with @daisy17, @cocktailspirit, later joined by Jordana & Daniel.  After that, a trip to Brooklyn for a cocktail soiree hosted by @paystyle and Vanessa with @selenawrites also in attendance.  Finished out the night back at the Rhum Rhum Room.

    Sunday was a dim sum bachelorette brunch for Deb L. at Jing Fong followed by a nap, and capped off with a trip to Town Hall to see Rachel Maddow & Ira Glass with @cocktailspirit.  After Mad Men, it was off to bed for a good night's sleep for the week ahead.

    When's the next vacation?  Ah yes, mid-October for a long weekend in L.A.  Watch out, West Coast!

  • Vacation Transition

    After a long weekend in the woods of Maine, I'm now off to the beach — Kismet, on Fire Island — for the remainder of the week.  Even if the weather doesn't cooperate, there will be plenty of relaxing to do.  See you on Sunday!

  • Cabin-Bound

    Lobster

    Just a taste of what awaits me over a long weekend in Maine — lobster, lake, friends & family.  Off to the woods, y'all.  See you when I return.

  • Did I Ever Mention

    that I can be a little impatient?  Oh yes, I did. I'll let you hear it straight from the source in the meantime.

  • Deep Thoughts from the Weekend

    - It's refreshing to see parts of your friends' personalities that are new to you that amaze you — in a good way.

    – Having a dinner party that lasts until the wee hours makes you truly appreciate how terribly lucky you are to have such good company in your life.

    – A friendship with someone who you've known for well over 20 years is a special thing, and should be treasured.

    – Sometimes, when your expectations are lower than low, you can be surprised, and end up smiling.

  • Yet Another Thing of Beauty

    Pearbrandy

    Pear brandy served at the end of an amazing meal at Eleven Madison Park.  See a thing of beauty and another thing of beauty, discussed earlier.