Tag: food

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Stylish Favorites 2.16.14

IMG_2227Winter has taken its proverbial toll on the majority of us who live In the United States. We have been snowed upon with a bit of ice and freezing rain thrown into the mix not once but quite a few times this season.  But, as we look forward to warmer weather there are a few hidden treasures to be found in the frigid cold to make even this harsh winter bearable.

IMG_1317{The Dying Gaul: An ancient Roman Masterpiece from the first or second century AD}

National Gallery of Art {Washington DC}
Just before the Winter Storm Pax pushed two rounds of heavy freezing rain, sleet and snow across our region, I popped into the National Gallery of Art primarily to see two exhibitions: Heaven and Earth: Art of the Byzantium and The Dying Gaul before each left the gallery in March. The Dying Gaul is an ancient Roman masterpiece from the Capitoline Museum in Rome, which will be returning on March 16, 2014 and the pieces from the Art of Byzantium will be returning to various Greek collections on March 2, 2014. I was able to capture a shot of the Dying Gaul, which was created in the first or second century AD and is one of the most renowned works from antiquity. This exhibition marks the first time this piece has left Italy since Napoleon’s armies took the sculpture to Paris in 1797 and where it was on display at the Louvre until 1816.

IMG_2380{Winter White Sangria}
Ford’s Fish Shack {Ashburn}
As always it is a true treat to meet up with the girls for a bite to eat and to sip some classy drink. This was Ford’s Fish Shacks version of a “Winter White Sangria” made with a splash of peach Schnapps, Triple Sec and loaded with fresh fruit…. and was so absolutely delicious, I ordered two!!!
IMG_2382 IMG_2459{Collard greens with a few seasonings of neck-bones and ham-hocks along with the beginning of hamburger soup}

Home Cooking
As we were constantly getting hit with freezing rain and sleet, the worry over the electricity going out was upper most in our minds. So, I was off to the kitchen to cook and get hot food into thermal containers just in case the power went out!!

Stay warm stylishly,
K

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Bonne Année 2014

IMG_2320{Quy’s battered chicken breast with flour and breadcrumb coating along with shrimp tempura and chocolate covered strawberries. The perfect New Year treats!}

There is something about ringing in a new year that signifies the strongest sense of hope in us all. Every expectation and desire that was not or could not be met in the previous year has the opportunity of resurfacing with plans of being attained as new goal. All that we have coveted, longed for or were not able to grasp in the past year may now be within our reach at the change of the calendar.

For the most part I am not overly superstitious, but have been known to cook a pot of black-eyed peas and collard greens at the start of the new year for good measure … one can never be too careful. A very dear friend stated today that we are still in the season for sharing, joy, eating and happiness not necessarily in that order, but it gives the end of the year a certain karmic vigor.

Instead of writing resolutions to use as a plan for the upcoming year, I have been reminiscing on a few basis pleasantries that I have enjoyed. Firstly, there is always the invite to my friend Quy’s home to sample her fabulous cooking. This is a woman who creates miracles while in the kitchen and each time you are in her home always has a delicious treat to share. She even preps lunch for her co-workers on a regular basis and should honestly start her own lunch-truck, as she would do extremely well.

My most indulgent pleasure by far is walking after sunset surrounded by the crisp cold winter nights looking up at the sky to see brightest of twinkling stars. As I have indicated in previous post I do my best thinking while enveloped by the night as if were a cozy blanket and find inspiration in each long stride while breathing deeply and viewing the constellations of the season.

IMG_3409{Collard greens to bring luck or rather money into the New Year}

Each year my neighbors and friends outdo each other with elaborate celebrations and parties, and trust me I would like to compete and be in there partying hearty along with them, but this year have decided on staying in with family and a few friends for a New Years Day lunch. And yes, you guessed the menu; Hoppin’ Johns better known as black-eyed peas, collard greens and corn bread which is a traditional southern meal.

However you decide to bring in the New Year; in front of roaring fire with a bottle of champagne, in Times Square or with neighbors, please stay safe and have fun stylishly!!
K