Parc by Stephen Starr is coming to DC

Down town in Center City, Philadelphia, just off Rittenhouse Square, is an awesome French restaurant called Parc owned by Stephen Starr.  For those that may not already know him... Stephen Starr is to Philadelphia what José Andrés is to DC, owning a multiplicity of successful restaurants across the city.

And now, Starr will be bringing his shining *insert another word for star* down to Andrés's turf.  Parc is expected to open in DC's Logan Circle this Spring!  It'll be called Parc Deux, how cute.

Parc carries all of the French classics, all delicious, but my favorite for brunch is the Oatmeal Brulée - I mean how cool is that?! 

Beer Bread

In celebration of St. Patrick's Day, we were cooking Shepherd's Pie, but needed a starter to accompany the meal.  So, on a day filled with lots of green beer, we found it only fitting to make a little beer bread.

What's so great about beer bread is that it can be a quick last minute decision.  Because beer is naturally yeasty, you don't need to do a more traditional yeast starter that sits for hours.  Plus, the ingredients are pretty easy to come by in your typical pantry.

Everything just mixes together and cooks in one.  Go ahead, give it a try!

Ingredients
3 cups self-rising flour (or 3 cups all-purpose flour plus 1 TBS baking powder)
1 12-oz light beer*
3 TBS honey or agave nectar
1 tsp salt

Directions

The Cocktail Cuff

Upon browsing a recent copy of Town & County, I came across a bit on the Cocktail Cuff.  The Cocktail Cuff is a mix between your standard sleeve's Button cuff and a French style cuff.  So, you get the fancy flare of the French, without the hassle of the knot or cuff link.  It's the best of both worlds!

Most notable in pulling off the Cocktail Cuff style is James Bond.  So men, when you go to order your Martini, shaken, not stirred, do it in style.

The cocktail cuff can be worn by both men and women, and I am a big fan.  I'll be stocking up on some to add to my wardrobe.  Thanks Town & Country, for the reminder of a classic cut that doesn't go out of style.

* Above photos provided by Thomas Pink and Brooks Brothers. *

Texadelphia

When Texans are looking for their Philadelphia cheesesteak fix, they needn't look any further than Texadelphia.  

And, with the mothership's close proximity to UT's campus, it's no wonder their motto used to be:

"Curing hangovers since 1981".

The secret's in the sauce, the mustard sauce that is.  Slather it on (everything), liberally.

The Red Fox Inn in Middleburg, VA

Conveniently nestled about an hour's drive from DC, Middleburg is located just on the edge of Fauquier county, commonly referred to as horse country, and makes for a perfect day's getaway.  The drive is gorgeous with breath taking landscapes.  It feels just like the French or English countryside.

In the town of Middleburg, we like to head over to the Red Fox Inn for some brunch.  The food is good with a cozy, quaint atmosphere.  A menu must have is the classic, creamy Virginia Peanut soup - just a taste, because it is quite filling.

Shepherd's Pie

Come winter time, Shepherd's Pie has become a real go-to for me and the hubby, whether in the comfort of our own home, or at the local pub.

Obviously, given its name, Shepherd's Pie began as a popular dish amongst the farming class of Shepherds and Peasants (no surprise given the farm fresh ingredients and ease of preparation).

The true shining star of the dish is the main ingredient - lamb.  While some recipes call for beef, I don't think you have tasted the true deliciousness that is Shepherd's Pie without the lamb.  It just gives it that perfect flavor.  And I like to up the ante even more, using Guinness instead of broth or stock.  It's delish.

Crawfish Boil at Shoal Creek Saloon

'Tis the season!  Shoal Creek Saloon has brought back the crawfish boil. 

Order up a pound, or 3, or 5! Be sure to add your boiled potatoes and corn on the cob. And don't forget the hot sauce for dipping.

They say the crawfish season peaks in March and April, and runs from now until early June (if we're lucky).  Don't worry, Shoal Creek says they will be serving the crawfish boils for as long as they can find crawfish. So scoot on over and dig in!

Quality Seafood

Where do you get your fresh seafood in Austin?  Ask any restaurant and you'll get the same answer without hesitation - Quality Seafood Market.

While Quality Seafood has been around forever, having just celebrated its 75th anniversary, they only started serving prepared food in the past 30 years, a very welcomed addition from the locals.

Also, within the past year, Quality Seafood underwent a face lift with a renovation and expansion.  Austinites give it a major two thumbs up.

Whether freshly shucked or fried-to-order, the oysters are perfectly fresh and delicious.

Give 'em fried oysters a little hot sauce, y'all.

Thomas Jefferson's Monticello

Nestled perfectly on top of a hill in Charlottesville, Virginia, Thomas Jefferson knew what he was doing when he built Monticello.  The views are breath taking.

Thomas Jefferson was a pioneer of the ages, with fresh farm to table from his own front yard!  He really was ahead of the game, ahead of the times, and ahead of the trends.

And the house itself isn't so bad.  On the contrary, it's spectacular, especially considering the time period when it was built with the means (or lack thereof) of transporting the building blocks.

Happy Valentine's Day!

There's nothing wrong with a gift of chocolate, especially when it's Godiva.

It's not cliche, it's classic.

Eat your King Cake

Happy Fat Tuesday! ... or more popularly known as the French translation, Happy Mardi Gras!

A popular indulgence during Mardi Gras is the King Cake, a cinnamon bread roll with a creamy frosting inside and atop the cake.  It's quite tasty.

A little history...

Louis Vuitton, Beauty with Age

Most things in life just get better with age, and Louis Vuitton is no exception.

With its most notable signature leather Monogram canvas collection, LV just screams luxury.  It doesn't go out of style and only increases in value over time.  But how do you know your LV's age and value?  Well, look at your strap.

I added this LV to my collection about 2 years ago. The strap is a very light tan color, yet to be weathered.

The Speedy bag (or as I like to call it, the Doctor bag) has been in my possession for about 5 years.  Notice the strap is starting to get darker.

Whereas this LV was acquired over 15 years ago.  Look at the rich caramel color of the strap - gorgeous!