MORE BACON please

Wow, Emilie found a treasure for me. Bacon dental floss. What more could a girl want? Yoweeee!

Per Se

My favorite restaurant list needs to be modified. Yes, La Folie, Melisse and Cafe Routier are still in the Top 5. But now add Per Se. Unquestionably a *special occasion* restaurant. . .and indeed it was for Jennifer and I. She lives in Hong Kong, while I am in LA, so for both of us to be in New York on the same weekend is rare!

Here we are with big smiles after an exquisite meal.

Boobie's Party

Space in New York is at a premium, and that's why I feel spoiled every time I am at Boobie's apartment's gigantic backyard deck. This weekend, I felt like a princess because Boobie (I just can't say Bob) threw a barbeque while I was visiting NYC, titling me Guest of Honor, and because I am a huge fan of every person that joined the soiree.



Above, Boobie, Ingrid, Kraus, Ventura, Meredith and Heavy down below.

Boobie's place exudes comfort and happiness, thus many were getting smoochey! Kelly and her boyfriend.


Meredith getting some Boobie lovin'.



And Ingrid and Steve sharing an affectionate smack.


Ingrid didn't want the fun to end, so leaving for Wanda was not an option!



From Keyes South to Building B to Chiswick to Commonwealth Ave to Church & Reade to Greenwich Street. . .


Intoxication and elation! Thanks again Boobie!!

Joy Division

I highly recommend the arty, black and white movie, Control. It came out in 2007, and I was resistant to seeing the film because I thought I didn't know any songs about the subject of Control, the band Joy Division. I was wrong because I love this one below.



I was absorbed as the characters drew me in -- partly due to inner demons torturing the lead singer of Joy Division, Ian Curtis, played by Sam Riley, and partly because of Samantha Morton's stellar acting as Deborah Curtis, Ian's wife. Although Ian Curtis' dysfunction was a major theme of the movie, the film showcased his massive talent and made his torment chillingly relatable. Some say that Joy Division laid the foundation to the melancholy alternative music that I love now, and for all these reasons, you should watch this exhilarating and moving film too!

British Invasion

Emmet's friends from London came to my lovely city and us Angelenos did our best to show them a good time.

Mondrian poolside





Tower Barside



Spago Curbside

I Love The Nightlife!

We did the ultimate whoop up in Saybrook and went to Rock & Bowl on Friday night. (Seriously, IS there anything else to do at night aside from movies and the Farm?) Doesn't bother me, show me the lanes and I'm smiling!

Here are Drew, me and Emilie. We even had a swing by from Hilary too!



Not sure how Emilie manages to raise three children under age 6 and look youthful and pretty. . .and beat everyone at bowling!



I've lost my game entirely. Granted, I can save face by hitting 100 -- this time on the button -- but check out the score of the last "L" up there. That's LINDSAY's score! She killed it with a 116. I guess this year's Sister Bowl at Thanksgiving is going to get heated!! Maybe TJ is her good luck charm?

Cafe Routier

No trip to Connecticut would be complete without a visit to Cafe Routier. For food, I have my favorites that no other restaurant makes as good, so I usually don't depart from my regular order of french fries cooked in duck fat with a truffle, tarragon aioli; fried oysters with panko and a spicy, tartar sauce; and the simple meatloaf with crunchy green beans.

Lindsay, the sassy lassie, is much more varied with her ordering and when I saw this triumph arrive in front of her, I have to say I was jealous! Cous cous and tomato tower with grilled zucchini over sauteed spinach. Yum!

Troutman Children

So fantastic that my Grandmom's rehab is a mere 15 minutes away from the Jenn's enormous house in Norfolk. Lovely little Charlotte was very playful and she smiles a lot. Especially when you stand her up like this cutie pie picture.


And here's the beloved Loki, giving me her sexiest gaze.


And many thanks to hubby, Ramsay, for watching little ones while Jenn and I went out for a decadent dinner at Zebra's. I can never get enough of the girlie catching up with Jenn -- especially with a newborn news and excitement. And if you are ever in her 'hood, Zebra's pizza with fig and lobster was insanely marvelous. Do you think it would survive a LA trip by Fed Ex? :)

The Stewarts Support Froggies

The old Hollywood rule for actors is from W.C Fields and states: "never work with children or animals." Fortunately Penny and Rod ignored it to support the Prince's Rainforest Project. With all of Rod's tireless charity work, it is surprising that he hasn't been knighted yet!

Ooh, a tart!

I wish I could have several jobs in one week. Weekends I would travel to gather more info for my travel guide. Monday, I'd manage Rod's professional life. Tuesday, I'd be half food critic/half vegetable gardener. Wednesday, I'd be in the darkroom developing photos. Thursday, my kitchen would emanate delectable scents from all my baked goods. Friday, I'd blog it all!

Alas, I have to squeeze in my other dream careers while on vacation. So when I was home, I discovered more than 15 apples in my parents fridge. I suspect that Lindsay and Terry love apples and therefore each of them buys four at a time, thinking that the other will enjoy too. Unfortunately, another batch of four accompany one of them home before the original four are consumed. Great for me since I decided to make use of the less than prime ones. Et voila, my first tart!



What I love about this salad is that only the mozzarella was store bought. The tomatoes, basil and flower were all grown in my Dad's garden. YUM! You just can't get any fresher -- unless you ate dinner while squatting IN the garden.

Old Saybrook

Sometimes I think that my hometown is the most beautiful place in the world. I took a long walk through Cornfield Point, along the shore through Knollwood and back. Here are some of my moments.

A shellfish regulations sign at one of the dozen of town-owned scenic overlooks.



Someone else shares my sentiment.



My parents beautiful beachside home. Terry's flowers are looking especially lush this year!

Killers at Hollywood Bowl

One of the most magical places in LA? The Hollywood Bowl on a September evening. And the Killers were pretty good too.

Olanna and I in our Garden Box Seats



Brandon and Ronnie doing what they do best to a very energetic audience


It's a party.

Gram

As you may have read, My Gram recently had hip replacement surgery, so while I was home, I had a chance to visit with her at Harrington House, her rehab facility. She was chipper and pleased to have many visitors all at once -- my ridiculously handsome cousin, Chris; Terry, me and her two sons.

Below are my Uncle Joe, Gram and my Dad -- I caught her making a silly face, but that only proves how well she's doing. More positive thoughts that she heals and is able to return home very soon.

Yeah, yeah, she wins again!

Alexis is back out in California competing in the Supergirl Jam in Venice Beach and not only did she come in 2nd place, but won for the Best Trick too. She's incredible!

A Proper Celebration

If karma works, then Ingrid and Steve should have many huge great things in store for them.

I arrived in New York on the red eye on Saturday morning at 5:30 am. What a nuisance I am to wake up my dear friends at 7:00 am, but not only did they wake up cheerfully with zero grousing, they even had supplies to celebrate International Bacon Day.

THREE types of bacon -- regular, thick cut and Canadian



Exquisite plating by Ingrid



Steve and I marveling at how wonderful bacon is and how much we've got!!

Vacation

I'm in Connecticut now visiting the family, but blogging will be back next week. xoxo

Another Recycling Post

Working in music, every day I burn CDs of my artist's newest songs. And the versions usually start with just music, then ghost vocal, then back-up singers, next 'take one' of Rod, then if necessary, a second go at the lead vocal. That's not the end -- before long we add horns, followed by strings and finally the song gets comped. Further, I burn one for me, one for Arnold, and one for the office. Once the newest arrangement comes out, the older tracks become obsolete. Thus, I need to toss a lot of CDs every week. Used CDs are another nasty item that should NOT be going in the regular trash -- they contribute to pollution, deplete natural resources and speed up global warming. So I am pleased to share this great company with you.



They will take your CDs, jewel cases, and packaging. Today I sent them a large box of shredded CDs and they will properly recycle them in an earth friendly way. My unwanted CDs could be turned into household products, building materials or auto parts. The best factor? It is a free service!



If it is too much of a hassle to send them your unwanted CDs, save them along with your dead batteries and give them to me. I'll do it for you!

It's almost here! Bacon Day!!

Oh yes!! September 5th is International Bacon Day. Get your frying pan out and celebrate! Have some pancetta, Canadian, apple-wood smoked, peppered or even Bacos. Make a BLT, wrap up some scallops or toss some crumbles in a salad. Need more bacon ideas? Here they are. Live it up! And click on this link to read a hysterical cartoon on why bacon is better than true love.

Oasis Split

Brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher have had yet another argument and Noel has quit the band Oasis once again. Hitler's reaction is below. I'm telling you, this made me laugh and laugh. Watch!