Take Five: Chartreuse

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Chartreuse liqueur.  130 different herbs, plants, roots and leaves go into this vividly flavored (and colored) liqueur made by Carthusian monks in the French alps.  Delicious to sip after dinner or mix into cocktails like The Last Word. Suede Driving Shoes by Car Shoe.  In bright, fun colors as spring turns to summer.   Bonobos Pool […]

The Watercooler

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

I realize I’m rushing the season for this sort of drink, but we had a brief flash of summer last week in New York, and it reminded me of a drink that I made a few weeks before during our spring break in sunny Palm Springs.  It’s light and refreshing, and it’s delicious with or […]

Take Five: Tazza d’Oro

Monday, April 8, 2013

Tazza d’Oro Coffee Shop, Rome.  Bright, noisy, crowded, a little kitschy and mercifully unrenovated, it’s probably my favorite coffee shop in the world.  It’s just steps from the Pantheon and often packed with tourists, but don’t be put off: it’s the real deal.  The coffee (and granita di caffe in warm weather) are sublime. “Ruska” Stoneware […]

The New Dining Room Rug

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

We love it.  It came in early and under budget –a rare bird in the world of interiors– but most importantly, when we unrolled it late one Tuesday night (I couldn’t wait until morning), we knew it was perfect, or at least perfect for us. A lot of the credit for this — for the […]

Easter Spinach Pie

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Come to think of it, I’m not sure why a spinach pie is associated with Easter, but I’ve made it as the first course of Easter dinner for past 10 years –probably more.  The ingredients are available year-round, but the flavor is so fresh and, well, green, that I guess people associate it with the […]

Roasted Chicken with Clementines

Friday, March 15, 2013

Roasted chicken is a solid family favorite for lots of us, but for me at least, it’s easy to fall into a rut with the preparation and get a little bored with the dish. Here’s a recipe to shake things up.  At first glance it looks a little crazy –whole clementines, fennel, Pernod and mustard, […]

The Brown Granada

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

The cold rain outside my window here in New York reminds me that it’s still brown liquor season.  Not that there’s anything wrong with whiskey in summer (or white jeans in winter), but there’s something really nice about a warming brown drink on a cold wet night. This is one of my new favorites.  It […]

Great Danes

Thursday, March 7, 2013

United Nations Trusteeship Counsel Chamber designed by Finn Juhl in 1950-52.  Shown here in its original state, this striking interior by the Danish architect and furniture designer Finn Juhl is currently undergoing a complete restoration financed by the Danish government. Finn Juhl 45 Chair.  My favorite chair, created by the “father of Danish modern design” […]

Charmoula!

Monday, March 4, 2013

I often find myself calling Julia “my little Charmoula” when I cook with this North African condiment.  (She just looks at me like I’ve lost my mind.) “Charmoula” is fun to say, though, and it’s a word that will find its way into your vocabulary too once you discover how delicious and versatile it is. […]

Tonic

Friday, February 22, 2013

Fever Tree Tonic Water.  Completely transforms the old gin and tonic.  (It’s even good enough to drink without the gin.)  And try using lemon instead of lime. Navy Poplin Ludlow Suit from J.Crew.  Cool and crisp for Spring, and the jacket will look great this summer with a pair of faded Levis. Ittala Lempi Glassware. […]

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