Chris Nordquist
A month or so ago my good college friend Paul was in New York investigating a new job opportunity and considering a move from his home in Los Angeles. Of course, my advice was completely objective and selfless, but I did take him to the beautiful bar at MOMA’s Modern restaurant to discuss the matter […]
Yesterday Julia and I were at our place in San Francisco, having returned the night before from our second annual Easter weekend in Palm Springs. (My partner David had to return to New York Sunday night.) Last year we rented a great midcentury modern house, but this year we were guests of our friend Keith […]
This delicious Turkish-inspired dip is a little strange, but it’s wonderful. It looks like the familiar red pepper hummus (and there’s nothing wrong with that), but the flavor is completely different: sweet and tangy, almost sour, with moderate heat. It’s great with pita chips, crackers or celery sticks as a cocktail snack, and it transforms […]
Whenever I’m pressed for time and stumped about what to serve with cocktails, this is my solution. I almost always have the ingredients on hand, and they’re quick and easy enough to make at the last minute and still remain in a hospitable mood. Better yet, these rich, salty, crispy bites pair very well with […]
As I’ve said before in a recent post, one of my strategies for hosting a successful cocktail hour (without ruining your day) is to keep the food simple and serve the classic bar trinity of potato chips, nuts and olives and “One More Thing”. Well, Gougeres are probably my favorite One More Thing. Gougeres are […]
I remember watching old movies as a kid and being intrigued by the way some impossibly suave person –Cary Grant, Ray Miland or someone like that– glided over to his home bar and poured a drink from a glittering bottle of amber liquid –removing the stopper, pouring just a splash, replacing the stopper. It seemed […]
I’ve found that inviting a few guests over for a cocktail on a weeknight is a nice way to connect with other busy people. You can offer hospitality without committing to dinner and all that entails (either in or out), and your guests can accept even if they have other plans later in the evening, […]
At 17 months, Julia already has a posse. Vivian, Charlie, Charles and Tess all live either in our building in Chelsea or very nearby, and the kids have regular play dates. Most days at around 5pm there’s a stroller convoy in front of one of our doors. To celebrate Valentine’s Day, I thought I’d make […]
Last Tuesday my partner David was bringing home two colleagues for dinner, one visiting from Japan, one local to New York and both eager to see Julia, our 17-month old daughter. Vaguely recalling of an episode of Bewitched (Wasn’t she always whipping up something for Larry Tate and some client of poor old Darren’s?), I […]
There was a time where the whole concept of Valentine’s Day irritated me. Of course, it’s a perfect example of a Hallmark Holiday; that is, a day that seems to have no genuine cultural purpose other than buying gifts. And even its ostensible purpose is unclear: it seems to be a celebration of romantic love, […]
