Sunday in the North End

As part of our new weekend resolution to try something new, we found ourselves in the North End. It was my weekend to do the planning so I decided on forging for ingredients for dinner at DiPaquale's. They make fresh pasta daily and sell a variety of Italian deliciousness. We walked out with two types of fresh past for making this recipe, fresh burrata, italian coffee, and a can of San Pellegrino Aranciata Rossa (sparkling blood orange!) for instant gratification. We then venture over to  this place for lunch alfresco. Before heading home we stopped at the Fiore roof deck for a bit of bubbly just because.
It was a great afternoon of exploring a neighborhood we rarely venture to. I'm already planning our next adventure!

Try something new this weekend.

After a week of intense production culminating in a Trunk Show on saturday, I plan to spend sunday in relaxation mode. But, that doesn't mean it's going to be all rest and no play.
We are trying something new around here. Every weekend we are taking turns planning a new adventure. The only rule is that it has to be something neither of us has done before. It could be as simple as trying a new coffee shop, or taking a walk in a new neighborhood. As long as it's unexplored by either of us, it's fair game.
I'm up first and already have an idea. It involves a trip to this North End spot! Have you been?
What do you think of our idea to make life a little more exciting? Would you do it?

P.S. The photo is from a picnic we had mid-week! Adventure isn't just for the weekends, right?!

Onset Island

This weekend we went to Onset Island. We met friends and had such a lovely day by the water. It was good to get away for the city for a little while and spend our hours talking, eating, laughing, taking walks along the shore and just enjoying the peace and quite of this tiny bit of heaven.
Here are a few photos from the weekend if you'd like to see.

^^ Our friend Jason lives on the island year round so he picked us up in his skiff and expertly navigated us across the bay. He's pretty cool!^^

^^The small island has no roads or vehicles of any kind. I loved the sea grass everywhere and the small boats that transport it's residents floating around it's permieter.^^

^^Penny feasted on shrived crab leggs. Yummy.^^

^We sat around and watched the time go by^^

^We stayed at Jason's beautiful cottage that was only a few feet from the water. So peaceful.^^

^^There are many little details of nautical life that remind you of where you are.^^

^^We walked along the tiny boardwalk that traverses the island^^

^^My girl Alyson and I both grew up in towns surrounded by water. We felt right at home.^^

^^And of course, silliness between takes!!^^

^^The sun started to set and Pat's smile says it all.^^

Watching the unset from the deck was breathtaking. We had so much fun, Jason and Alyson. Thank you for inviting us. We can't wait to go back!!

Have a calm weekend.

This weekend will be about peace and calm here at our house.  We are looking forward to dinner at a friend's house on the beach and time spent laughing with those that are close to us.

There are many thing to get us worried, but there are so many more to be thankful for. 

These days I start my morning with a simple glass of lemon water with a sprig of rosemary. It seems so simple and yet the slightly sweet meyer lemon and the aromatic rosemary take the senses away and calm the mind.

Everything will be all right. I wish you a calm, peaceful weekend. 

Enjoy the little things.

Have a great weekend!

I'm very much looking forward to couch time with these two this weekend. I've also started a new book, and want to test out this recipe.

What are you up to this weekend? 

IN SEARCH OF: A new ride

In February I said goodbye to my Volkswagen Cabrio. I had bought it in 1997 after graduating from college and she was with me for over 15 years! I loved that car. There are so many memories of road trips and places visited and the people who shared those moments with me. But after so many reliable years she was ready to retire. I watched as the tow truck took her away to be dismantled and sold for parts. I like to think of bits of her becoming part of other cars having new adventures. It's like being an organ donor. She will live on, I like to think.
Now carless, I have resolved to trade in four wheels for two. I'm considering one of the two Linus bikes above. I'm in love with the Dutchi in cream. Modeled after French city bikes from the 50's and 60's, it feels femanine and had a super comfortable upright ride. But then there is the Mixte model in blue. It has such great clean lines and rides more like a traditional bike. Decisions, decisions. This is so hard. I'd love your vote! Let me know, which do you think is more me?

Inspiration images from Pinterest.

SNAPSHOT: March

March was so much fun! I love assembling the photo snapshot each month because it reminds me of all the lovely things that happened. Hope you had a wonderful March.

penny - sunrise in napa

this lovely house we called home - favorite vineyard
beautiful restaurant - green dress

panchas! -and- bouchon!

trillium opens - signage

favorite spot for walking- and -favorite spot for eating

this place - kit kat

now serving trillium - easter table 

Relaxing weekend, here I come.

It's been a bit crazy around here. Last week friends visited, work piled up, and life just seemed to have caught up with me.
I'm famously bad at relaxing. But I'm improving. So this weekend I plan to do as much relaxing as I can fit into two days. My favorite mug will be put to good use, filled with tea and sipped slowly. And if things get too slow, there is always a movie theater nearby. I'm looking forward to seeing this inspiring movie, or maybe this funny one. Have you seen either of these movies? I'd love to hear your thoughts...
Leave a comment bellow and lets make this blog about conversation and sharing. It gets lonely here on the internet all by myself.
Happy weekend!

WHAT'S FOR DINNER: Spring Vegetable Risotto

Spring had technically arrived, but the warm days are taking their sweet time getting here. While we wait, let's eat!
The spring semester is coming to a close, I have a big project that is in full-on construction and my stress levels have been on the high side lately. Oh, I also have a trunk show coming up at the end of April which I have to make a ton of bags for. No biggie...
So after a long day of teaching and stressing, I'm happy to sit down to this lovely meal. It's hearty enough to work during the still chilly nights in March, but the flavors are bright with spring. I'm also fairly certain that throwing a poached on anything makes it delicious! Pair it with a not-oaky (that's a technical term) chardonnay, good company, of course, and goodbye stress.
*I know risotto has a reputation for being a bit of a pain to make. This one is pretty simple so go for it. Get the recipe here.

IN SEARCH OF - A more glamorous life

These days traveling is much less glamorous than it used to be. You get herded into your seat and, if your lucky, a bag a stale pretzels may come your way at some point during flight. So whenever we travel we like to bring a little bit of glamour with us. I pack a cheese plate! Mid flight when hunger strikes, I lay out my french linen tea towel and mini cheese board, order some wine (or champagne) and instantly my mood brightens. It's great to observe the flight attendant's reaction when he sees us sipping our wine and enjoying our little picnic at 3,000 feet. 

Would you do it? I highly recommend you give it a shot on your next trip!

1. mini cheese boards (set of 4) - $64

2. french linen tea towel (set of 2) - $50

3. cheese selection - varies

4. saucisson - 8.99

5. bubbly (or wine) from on board selection

6. baguette

Food Memory

I grew up eating salted cod. There are hundreds of ways to prepare this traditionally Portuguese fish, but there is one dish that is especially dear to my heart. My mom made this dish when I was growing up and still makes it for me when I visit. Bacalhau a Gomes de Sa is a simple three ingredient recipe; salted cod, onions and potatoes. It's such a simple combination, but there is something about the caramelized onions and the cod when they combine that is divine.
Last night I thought I would try my hand at this favorite recipe. It turned out pretty great. Not quite as good as my mom's but pretty close.
Would you give this recipe a try? Don't be intimidated by salt cod. It's just a matter of soaking it for the right amount of time before it's ready to go. It's very simple to make and a really rewarding meal.

Do you love food as much as I do? Check out my Pinterest Food Board  and see what else I've been cooking!

Bacalhau a Gomes de Sa
(adapted from Savoring Spain and Portugal)

1 lb salt cod, soaked
1.5 lb boiling potatoes peeled
6 Tbs olive oil
2 yellow onions thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic minced
.5 c chopped flat leaf parsley
1 tsp fresh ground black pepper
20 cured black olives
2 hard-boiled eggs, peeled sliced

Soak the cod in cold water to cover for 24 to 36 hours, changing the water occasionally, drain.


Drain the cod and place in a saucepan with water to cover. Bring to a gentle simmer over med heat and poach 10-15 min. Drain, let cool and break up with your fingers removing skin and bones.

At the same time boil potatoes in water to cover for 20-25 minutes. Drain and slice 1/4 inch thick.

In a frying pan over med heat warm 2 tablespoons olive oil. Add onions and saute on low heat until caramelized, about 10-15 minutes. Add garlic and cook 2 minutes more. Transfer to a bowl. In the same pan, warm 3 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Saute potatoes until golden 5 minutes total.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Oil a large gratin dish and lay half the potatoes in the bottom, top with half the cod and then half the onions. Sprinkle with pepper and parsley. Repeat the layers then drizzle top with a bit of oil.

Bake until golden, about 25 minutes. Garnish with olives, hard-boiled eggs and parsley.
Serve and enjoy!

A day in Napa

We had a wonderful few days away. The weather was perfect and the wine was tasty.
Oh Napa, I heart you.

Away we go!

We are off to Napa Valley on Saturday to find some sunshine, enjoy time with friends, and of course, drink wine. The picture above is from a trip we took in 2009. For me it captures what Napa is like this time of year. The mornings start brisk and foggy and lead to days bursting with sunshine and warmth.
I hope you have some lovely plans made for your weekend. It may not be sunny in Boston but there is always a cozy restaurant to tuck into, or a morning cup of coffee to warm these lingering winter days. Enjoy the weekend!

SNAPSHOT: February

February, unlike January, flew by. Don't you think? 

Here are a few highlights...

snow dog, shopping for stripes

love, home shucked oysters

saying goodbye to my car, student work

blueberry scone from a favorite blog, hive events gives a talk

road trips, fog

art, structure

Have a great weekend!

If you are looking to take a road trip this weekend, I have a recommendation!
Head west to North Adams, MA where you will find modern art by a great little bed and breakfast where you can rest after an inspired day. I took this trip last year and wrote about it here. But currently at MassMoCA there is a very special work by Xu Bing that should not be missed. That's a photo of it above, but trust me when I say it does not do it justice.
So get in your car and go!