perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Traditionally my husband and I celebrate a poultry-free Thanksgiving. Oft times we find ourselves flying solo, usually at our desert home near Palm Springs. On such an iconic Thursday night we will sit among the stars with our pool lights twinkling and feast on something spectacular. But this year heralded a happy surprise; my oldest hopped a plane
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perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
It’s that time of year. People you love gather. And whether you are hosting a turkey dinner for twenty or a more intimate affair here are a couple tried and true sides guaranteed to add holiday sparkle to any table. No one needs to know you can make these both today then strategically pull them out of your freezer on the big day
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perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Saturday I turned the big five-oh. And what better way to herald this milestone then a cozy dinner for twelve the night before. One of the best presents this girl could ask for is a table full of dear friends laughing, toasting and thoroughly enjoying themselves. Want to know a truism I’ve learned over the past half century? Guests only have as
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perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
I’m having my old Cleveland girlfriends down for a Dayton sleepover to kick off my fiftieth birthday. Cocktails, dinner, and brunch (before I ship them north on their merry way). And to make sure it is a chipper car ride back I want to make sure they have a scrumptious, and substantial, send-off. The morning after my wedding anniversary I had
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food detective
Just wrapped up a one-week excursion to visit my youngest who is studying abroad in Granada Spain. With planes, trains and automobiles we arrived in this sleepy Andalucía city. As we pulled into the picturesque Hopspes Palacio de los Patos these weary travelers were greeted with one of the best cups of coffee and a delectable plate of sweet treats.
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what's for dinner
Busy week, busy day. What to have for dinner? Greek burgers and Israeli couscous with roasted grape tomatoes and basil. My take on Greek excludes lamb. Not sure why but I can’t stomach it. Lamentably lamb was the celebratory meal of choice in my first husband’s family. Because he was the last of five to marry there was lots to celebrate.
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perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
One of the joys of summer is an abundance of fresh herbs growing right outside the kitchen door. Toward the end of the season some have gone to seed, others have turned into lanky vines but almost without fail my basil plants seem to vie for a starring role in a Miracle Grow ad. Spring’s seedlings have turned into autumnal bushes and with the first
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what's for dinner
In the past two weeks I’ve been to Chicago, Martha’s Vineyard, Washington DC, New York City, and Cleveland. The food lineup has been impressive. Highlight’s include the signature hamachi sashimi at Macku’s on North Clybourn, the chowder at Larsen’s Fish Market in Chilmark, the six course tasting menu at Marcel’s on Pennsylvania Avenue, the oyster
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food detective
Just went to a charming wedding in West Chop on Martha’s Vineyard. Everywhere you turned there were the most personable touches. It was the quintessential Nor’easter celebration. Lobster rolls and crab cakes. A killer band under a tent with a remarkable view. A bride as stunningly beautiful and unpretentious as the local blooms artfully arranged
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perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Lunch on the go can be a dilemma. On the road options really don’t offer suitable alternatives. We’re faced with a pre-noon departure to kick off a family wedding on the east coast. Time to channel the 4th Earl of Sandwich to concoct a satisfying meal on the fly. Since Thanksgiving is the mother of all family gatherings, how about a twist on that
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Wherever I find myself, I’m happiest with a full dining room table. As a former professional chef and caterer I want to share what I’ve learned over the past three decades of entertaining. On this site you’ll find tricks of the trade to help even the most harried of you pull off a seemingly seamless fête. Come join the conversation!