Off to the races!

Happy Derby Day and Happy Gold Cup!

The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island

The Grand Hotel is located on Mackinac (pronounced "Mackinaw") Island in northern Michigan, between the upper and lower peninsulas.  All one can say is, it's spectacular!

Due to the rugged winter temperatures experienced in upper Michigan, the island is a summer attraction (despite those few residents that brave the cold winters).  Each year the hotel has a grand re-opening the first weekend in May and closing ceremony the last weekend in October.  So, this weekend will mark the annual Grand Hotel reopening!  

When it comes to the Grand Hotel, you just can't beat the porch.  Whether it be your morning coffee and paper, an afternoon cocktail, or an evening digestif - grab a rocker, kick back, and relax.

The porch seems to go on and on and on...

Mackinac island itself is only 8 miles in circumference.  There are no automobiles allowed on the island, so if you plan to go outside of town, you can rent a bike, or travel by horse and buggy!

Mackinac Island is a beautiful, serene escape for all to enjoy - history buffs, fudge eaters, sailor's delight, and those just seeking a quiet getaway.

Happy Blog-versary!

Well, it's happy 1st birthday to my Blog!  

These days (or months rather, 9 in particular) I am restrained from celebrating with this:

So instead, I will be celebrating by making these.

JFK and Jackie's House

When you go to Hollywood, you get a map of the home of the stars and tour around Beverly Hills at the lifestyles of the rich and famous.  Well, when tourists come to Georgetown, DC, they are also map in hand, but instead of seeking the home of multiple celebrities, they have the multiple homes of one particularly star couple:  John and Jackie Kennedy. 

The Kennedys lived 9 different homes over their 15-year span in Georgetown, with each home befitting the time period of their busy and high-profile lives.  Here is the self-guided tour.  And if you really want to do it right, stop by for brunch or a brew at one of the Kennedy's favorite old stomping grounds.

We used to live next door to one of the famous Kennedy houses and one of my favorite moments, that made me smile upon each recurrence, was watching the tourists try to decipher exactly which house was that of Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy. 

The houses below are right next door to one another, and have caused many tilted head looks of contemplation.  Which one do you think would be the Kennedy home?

Click on "Read more" for the SPOILER ALERT:

Escargot

While the plating may never win any awards, it doesn't need to because the dish itself is not to be passed.  

It's just a French classic - delicious.  

Photo taken at Bistro du Coin, Washington, DC

Mixed Berry Pie

Despite his training in the medical sciences, my father could easily hold a second career in the natural sciences, always knowing the trees, flowers, fruits, and veggies of the region and season. So, when my parents were visiting this past weekend and we decided to make a pie, it was no surprise that all eyes turned to my father and without hesitation he responded, "Strawberry."

Strawberry season peaks between April - June, so now is the time to get in your most flavorful dish.

Pie Dough recipe
Optional: 1 Tablespoon of milk (fat free is fine) and 1 Tablespoon of sugar

Mixed Berry Pie Filling Ingredients:
1/2 package of Raspberries (6 oz), washed
1/2 package of Strawberries (16 oz), washed, sliced and remove leaves
1/2 package of Blueberries (4.4 oz), washed
1 package of Blackberries (6 oz), washed
1/4 cup of sugar
1 Tablespoon of Cornstarch, or 2 Tablespoons of Flour
1/4 cup of water
1 teaspoon of cinnamon

Directions:

Pimento Cheese Dip

This time each year I get very excited for the Masters tournament for two reasons: 1) obviously, watching some good golf on the tube, and 2) maybe even more importantly, justified indulgence of Pimento Cheese.

Pimentos were first imported to the U.S. from Spain, until farmers down South were smart enough to grow the peppers in-house.  Thus from its roots (literally), Pimento cheese is a southern tradition.  So, with the Masters held each year in the southern city of Augusta, Georgia, it's no surprise to find Pimento Cheese sandwiches as a signature dish of the tourney.  It also makes for a convenient picnic-type food for both the grazing players and spectators.

Everyone has their own Pimento Cheese recipe, and Augusta National Golf Club's specific blend remains a mystery to this day, but I like mine this way:

The Bob Dip at El Rancho

Aside from his work as a Texas politician, after ordering the cheese dip his way multiple times over many years, it was really the originality of his order that made "Bob Armstrong" appear on the menu at Matt's famous El Rancho.

Take some queso, add some seasoned ground beef, and top 'er off with some guacamole...  How could you go wrong?!  You can't.

Since appearing on the menu at El Rancho, Austinites have been afforded the opportunity to also order up a large "Bob."  And, it wouldn't be much of a shocker if you bumped into Bob Armstrong himself at El Rancho, ordering up, of course, the Bob dip.  He is still as devoted as ever to his signature dish.

Katz's Deli in NYC

Looking to hit up a classic New York deli?  Look no further than Katz's. 

Hand-sliced, right before your eyes.  And be ready, because they will offer you up a slice, and only a fool would refuse.

 The Pastrami on Rye.  Oh so good.

Boar's Head Inn (Charlottesville, VA)

Many of us are just coming down from the high of Spring Break, or some lucky ducks out there are currently enjoying their Spring Break fling.  Either way, 'tis the season to reignite the vacations, trips, get-aways, etc., which reminds me of a popular family retreat that has been around for years.  Nestled in the wonder of the blue ridge mountains is the lovely Boar's Head Inn.

The Boar's Head Inn has that charm of the olden, golden years and is the perfect place to stay when visiting Monticello, Charlottesville, or the University of Virginia.

They still have the original keys from way back when, rumored to have been used by some of the earlier guests of the Inn, namely Thomas Jefferson and George Washington.

 And don't forget the boar...

Bess Bistro

*** UPDATE: Bess Bistro has unfortunately closed as of September 20, 2015. ***

Hey Austinites - have you been to Bess Bistro?  The food, the ambiance, the all-around-everything... it's a must!  Sandra Bullock surely knew what she was doing when she created this establishment.

Bess is the best of two of my favorite cuisines - French classics and Southern Comfort.  For starters you can get Fried Green Tomatoes or a crock of Mussels.  Warm, fresh baked bread is brought to the table, likely sourced from their sister down the street, Walton's, another Bullock gem (to be posted soon!).

J. McLaughlin Cotton Shirts

This past Wednesday (3/20/12) marked the first official day of Spring, which means it is time to start transitioning the wardrobe.  And, one of my favorite switch-of-season garments is the Catalina 3/4 sleeve top from J. McLaughlin:

It's not short-sleeved, it's not long-sleeved, but in between for that in between temperature.  The shirts are made of mostly nylon with a touch of spandex, so they breathe very well, but are also strong enough to keep in warmth.  They are super comfortable and a great fit to accentuate your silhouette.

And, as with most of J.McLaughlin, the fashion doesn't go out of style.  Most colors and patterns are timeless equestrian couture.  So, not only do you pay for a quality material, but also one that can last a long time, year after year. 

* Photos courtesy of J. McLaughlin *