New York Fashion Week: Daniel Silverstain Spring/Summer 2016

I arrived back in New York City on last week to take in a front row view of Daniel Silverstain's Spring/Summer 2016 runway show and presentation at Shop Studios, amidst the excitement of New York Fashion Week.  A feast for the senses and imagination, the collection is laden with the futuristic essence of the 1967 Montreal World Fair, known as Expo67.

Designing since the age of 11, and now in his third runway season, the designer drew inspiration from the modern decor and innovative architecture that reshaped Montreal following the Expo.  The influences can be seen throughout the collection, from the neutral tones color pallet, contrasted with shapes of primary colors representing national flags, to lace and crochet textiles with metallic gloss coatings, to intricate multi-yarn jacquards mixed with natural wovens, yielding soft and relaxed silhouettes.

Featured below are several of my favorite looks from the collection.

Do you have a favorite look?  Which pieces from the collection can you envision in your upcoming Spring/Summer wardrobe? For more fashion and design inspiration--and to shop the collection--visit Daniel Silverstain.  You can also check-out more of my 'day of' coverage on Instagram, including a video look at the finale walk.

Happy Styling!

Photo Credits: Daniel Silverstain

{Discovering Southern}: The Atlanta Food & Wine Festival

To say that last weekend was delicious would be an understatement of the grandest proportions. Indulging in the three-day fete that was the Atlanta Food & Wine Festival was delicious, yes.  But it was also so. much. more.  In its fifth year, the AFWF showcased the best in culinary and creative talent across the Southern region of the United States with a clear and simple mission: Discover Southern. 

Undertaking an exhilarating itinerary that began Friday afternoon, in the heart of Midtown, Atlanta, I feasted my way through a weekend that was as special for the people and experiences I encountered, as it was for the food and drink.   From restauranteurs, to chocolatiers, to acclaimed cookbook authors and chefs, to regional purveyors, equally eager festival goers, and beyond, I relished every moment of Southern connection and discovery--and left wanting more.

My first tastes of the festival were at the tasting tents, which featured more than 100 award-winning chefs. With a variety that mirrored the broad flavors of the South, there was something for everyone--and every taste.  Barbecue, seafood, tacos, Indian cuisine, gelato, chocolate, doughnuts, pimento cheese and deviled eggs (of course!), sips of all kinds, burgers, and on and on and on went the lineup of scrumptious eats that spanned four tents--and drew me back day after day. 

Beyond the excitement and indulgence of the tasting tents, I took in a few of the more than 90 classes (my selections included Bugs and Chocolate, Chilies in the South, and more), cooking demos, and a newly featured, Sunday Brunch.  Attendees could also opt-in to an expertly curated Connoisseur Dinner Series, hosted nightly at premier Atlanta restaurants and venues.

My dalliances left me prouder than ever of this part of the country that I call home, and I'm already counting the days until I get to do it all over again next year.  For more festival highlights, visit my photo gallery -- then mark your calendars for next year where we'll do it all over again!

Happy Eating!

Holiday Pop-Up Shop {Photo Highlights!}

Last weekend reminded me, once again, of what I love so much about food, as I hosted my Holiday Pop-Up Shop. The thrill of creating--and sharing--food that you love and seeing the delight it brings to those who enjoy it is like no other.  I was so fortunate to share my passion with my customers as they tasted, savored and shopped my select holiday menu of cookies, candies and savory treats.  And I was even more elated to witness their wonderful (if not colorful) reactions to my food, up close and personally.  (Every cook's dream and what makes it all worth it, for sure.)

Westside Market served as the beautiful host location for an afternoon of holiday cheer and scrumptious, festive eats that will always be remembered.  While we weren't able to capture each and every customer who supported us during the event, we definitely captured the spirit of them all and invite you to see our photo highlights from the big day!

Thanks again to everyone who supported this event and helped to make it a success!!

Happy Eating & Holidays!

 

Pop Up Cooking School {Photo Highlights}

The inaugural class of my Pop Up Cooking School took place a couple of weeks ago, and I'm admittedly still riding on a residual high from what was an absolutely amazing time--and a personal dream come true.

We gathered, we cooked, we tasted, we learned--and we had one fabulous time!  My aim to dish up cooking techniques, tips, recipes and good eats, as well as loads of inspiration, was (thankfully) a mission accomplished, if the enthusiasm and feedback from the class participants is any measure.

Duly occupied with cooking, teaching, and otherwise engaging the class, I couldn't aptly wear my photography hat and, instead, brought in the talented ZOA Photography to capture photo memories of the day.  Check out the photo gallery here--and be sure to stay connected so you can make plans to join us at our future classes!

Happy Eating!

{Be Inspired}: Work + Play

I recently spent a few consecutive weeks traveling to one of my favorite "homes away from home", New York City.  But rather than my usual leisure-only excursions, these trips were (mostly) business in nature.  I say mostly because when I'm in NYC, I can never do without some measure of play--and inspiration!  And NYC is always faithful to serve it up in quintessential Big Apple Style.  In this new installment of my BeInspired! series, I dish up the everyday inspirations that  captured my attention and affection.

From a lunch stroll around Central Park to an evening of theater on Broadway to a few good eats around the city to the all-around insatiable energy that is the signature of the concrete jungle, I love finding inspiration in the everyday--the life-as-usual routine that still manages to deliver new beauty, wonder, discoveries, reflection and excitement, as if it's anything but.  

So here's to work and play...via my most recent NYC inspirations.

Midtown Cityscape

Horse and Carriage sightings in front of Central Park

Serene Central Park View

From Day to Night: Ready for Broadway

An awesome production & my favorite keepsake

Wonderful array of spices at Chelsea Market

  Happy Eating & Inspired Living!

Postcard from London: Fish and Chips + A Few Favorites

All eyes are on London these days with the 2012 Summer Olympic games in full gear.  And although I won't be making a trek "across the pond" to take in all the sporting action, I can still travel there via delicious British fare.  When I think of classic London eats, the quintessential fish and chips immediately come to mind and top my list of favorites.

In fact, when I visited London for the first (but certainly not the last) time a few years ago, fish and chips was the first meal I downed upon arrival.  I knew I wanted the best fish and chips I could find, so I consulted the concierge at my hotel, the lovely Baglioni Hotel, and without hesitation he sent me off to discover the best fish and chips at Seashell.  A short cab ride later, I was excitedly placing my order, and an even shorter while later, I was sitting at a sidewalk table with my newspaper wrapped fish and chips, malt vinegar, and other goodies, satisfying my craving.  It was a delicious experience that I'll never forget.

To get in on the London spirit once again (and recreate a fond memory), I'm sharing a recipe for fish and chips from Jaime Oliver, one of the UK's top chefs, that promises to be scrumptious. 

Beyond my food quests, London served up exciting history and architecture, fabulous shopping (Harrods was especially beyond and not to be missed!), great sights and spots including Big Ben, the River Thames, Piccadilly Circus, the London Eye, Hyde Park and more.  London was everything I love in a city: cool, chic, historic, beautiful, diverse--and yes, delicious.  Below are a few photo highlights from my special trip.

On the shopping circuit

 

Sightseeing atop a double decker

Hyde Park (We caught it during a rally)

Big Ben

The London Eye

 

So here's to the tastes and sights of London!

Happy Eating!

Fish and Chips

Ingredients:

For the chips:  

3 3/4 pints (2 liters) vegetable oil

2 pounds (950 grams) floury potatoes, like russets, peeled and cut into large chips

For the batter: 

1 cup plain flour

1 cup beer

2 egg whites, whipped to soft peaks

Salt

4 (9 ounce/250 gram) fillets haddock or cod, skin on, and pin boned

Method:

Pour all the vegetable oil into a deep pan or deep fat fryer, and heat to 300 degrees F (160 degrees C.)  Blanch the cut potatoes in the oil until soft, but not colored, about 4 minutes. Remove and drain.

Mix together the flour and the beer, then fold in the egg whites. Turn up the heat of the oil to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C). Dip the fish in the batter and fry for a few minutes with the chips until golden brown.

Drain on kitchen paper, serve and enjoy!

Recipe courtesy of Jaime Oliver

'Yes, Chef' Author Dinner with Marcus Samuelsson

Yes, Chef Author Dinner with Chefs Hopkins and Samuelsson

From the moment I learned of Chef Marcus Samuelsson's plans to publish his memoir (about two months or so prior to the release date), I was eager to dive into the life journey of the ever-inspiring and dynamic chef.  Yes, Chef: A Memoir hit the market on June 26th and, thanks to a pre-order sale, I had my copy in hand a day later.  My anticipation had steadily risen as I took in select excerpts and interviews by the Chef/Author, but nothing prepared me for the truly engaging and heartfelt story that I would encounter between the covers of this book.  

A tale of life in its fullness--chronicling family, food, sacrifice, triumph, failure and renewal--this memoir delivered more than just an inside look into the demanding, often brutal, world of food and fine dining, but, more significantly, it shared, in very personal terms, the astounding journey of Chef Samuelsson.  A journey that, at times, seemed equally impossible and probable, giving a face and pulse to the universal experience of pursuing a dream and passion, with all the joys and pitfalls that accompany such noble pursuits. 

So when the Yes, Chef book tour landed in Atlanta via the sold out Author Dinner at Restaurant Eugene, hosted by James Beard Award Winning Chef, Linton Hopkins, on this past Monday night, I was eager to see, hear and taste.  To see the camaraderie and fusion of two culinary masterminds who are devoted to their craft and communities.  To hear from Chef Samuelsson about anything and everything that has impacted his remarkable journey to date.  And to taste the flavors of Sweden, Ethiopia and America beautifully mastered by Chefs Samuelsson and Hopkins.  And what I actually saw, heard and tasted--experienced--went far beyond.

The Dessert Course: A Land of Honey

I had the privilege of being seated at Chef Samuelsson's table, along with two other guests, and we reveled in the "up close and personal" benefit of talking with him about everything from family reunions, to his mentor, Leah Chase, to the thrust of Red Rooster Harlem, to his visit earlier in the day with young teens and aspiring chefs at the Atlanta City Council, and much more besides.  But we didn't keep him all to ourselves.  In between courses the Chef made rounds to visit with the guests at other tables and have similar exchanges.  

Breaking bread with culinary greats, meeting new people who share my passion for food and cooking, taking in an exceptional meal in a beautiful restaurant, and creating lasting memories rarely occur all at once, but that night they did. 

My autographed book and menu (keepsakes!)

Thanks to Restaurant Eugene, Chef Hopkins and, of course, Chef Samuelsson, for a foodie night to remember!

Click here to see more photos from the special evening.

Happy Eating!

My Thanksgiving 2011 Highlights {In Photos}

My Thanksgiving holiday proved to be another wonderful occasion to celebrate all the blessings that I am fortunate to enjoy--not the least of which are my family and dear friends.  Known as a "foodie's dream holiday", Thanksgiving also represents the perfect opportunity to prepare some of the dishes that make the holiday season memorable--and delectable. 

My family table always goes way beyond--with a bounty of both traditional and not-so-traditional fare.  It's always a good time--made of great memories and good eats!  My contributions to this year's family meal included Citrus & Herb Brined Roasted Turkey, Herb & Sausage Stuffing, and Scrumptious Carrot Cake. 

I hope your holiday was all you hoped for--filled with lasting memories for years to come.  I'd love to know how you celebrated and what dishes you brought to the table.

Happy Eating!

Carrot Cake

A View From the Top

The Main Event--Citrus & Herb Brined Roasted Turkey

Herb & Sausage Stuffing

One of my Aunt's lovely table settings

A Newfound Love: Chelsea Market (In Photos)

New York City is one of my absolute favorite cities, and during my latest visit, I posted up in the chic, perfect for shopping and eating, MeatPacking district.  And nestled among the renowned restaurants, eateries and first-class shopping found there, is the treasure that is Chelsea Market.  The wonderful Chelsea Market.  The one I had heard about many times before, but that somehow never made it into my NYC tours of duty.  Until now.  With little more than a few footsteps separating Chelsea Market and my hotel, it was a date with destiny.

When I say that there was seemingly no end to the bakeries, delis, specialty shops for everything from cupcakes to chocolates to sea salts to gelato to cheeses and more, restaurants (yes, farm to table, seafood, etc.), food markets, and more and more and more, I'm truly not exaggerating.  If there's a culinary mecca to be found, Chelsea Market fits the bill. 

I'll confess that I found myself fighting back slight notions of envy at those fortunate enough to embark upon Chelsea Market daily, weekly or even monthly.  What a treasure to have in your "own back yard".  Although words could never do it justice, maybe my photo memories, while clearly not exhaustive of all the Market has to offer, will take you further in sensing the grandness that is Chelsea Market.

And the next time you're anywhere near Manhattan, I hope you'll make the effort to get acquainted with it on your very own. 

Happy Eating!

The (fabulous) Lobster Place

My lunch of Steamed Lobster--Yum!

Neat Finds - they have almost everything a foodie could want!

Gelato, Gelato, Gelato

Even though you won't have the fun of tasting beforehand, you can order their goodies online, too

Olive Oil Tasting ala The Filling Station

Where I indulged in sea salt tastings before settling on Sel Gris (Grey Salt) & White Truffle Salt

Look at the beautiful colors of the salts!

Jacques Torres Chocolates!

In addition to my gelato fix, I had one of the best chocolate ice cream cones ever from this place