Anatomy of a Dinner Party: a day in the life of a hospitalityaholic
 

brunch

...now browsing by category

 

It’s Time To Name That Thing!

Wednesday, May 4th, 2011

Good Morning Darlings!

I have another quiz for you. Seems like everyone guessed the escargot tongs last week. You smart people, you!

What is this week’s mystery item?

St. Simons – Day Three, Part One

Wednesday, April 13th, 2011

Good Morning Darlings!

You are looking very refreshed from a good night’s sleep in your ocean front room. What should we do first?

Breakfast? Yes, indeedy!

Some of the yummiest foods ever inside

FFF-Pyrex Easy Grab

Friday, April 8th, 2011

Good Morning Darlings!

Sometimes I receive things in the mail that are a surprise. This little package was one of those days.
This is the fun stuff!

More Fun With The Royals!

Thursday, April 7th, 2011

Good Morning Darlings!

My friend Sandra just let me in on the most fab event!

Such Fun!!

V-Day Recap and The Morning After

Tuesday, February 15th, 2011

Good Morning Darlings!

Hope you all had a fine Valentine’s Day – no matter who you spent it with. Ours was swell. Lets recap the menu:

Crab Cakes
Creamy Pasta
Fresh Green Salad
Lemon Souffle

It was all so good. The souffle was delicious, but needs some work. I thought it was pretty good for a first try. An oven thermometer would probably help to make sure it’s calibrated correctly.

Some photos?

Crab Cakes and Creamy Pasta

Eric whipped up the cream sauce with the most spectacular oregano and gorgeous Greek olive oil by Frixa, that was just sent by lovely Miss Leigh in St. Simons Island. The Chryssaidis family owns a restaurant, Athena, in St. Augustine, where they go through 20 liters of this elixir each day. Can you imagine? And you can buy both the olive oil and oregano online. Yum.

The sauce goes like this (thanks, Honey!): Melt 2 tbsp butter and add 2 tsp Frixa oregano, infuse with low heat while the pasta cooks. When the pasta is al dente, strain and quickly beat together 2 eggs, 1/4 cup heavy cream, 1 cup parmesan with a little pasta water. Dress the pasta in the sauce and drizzle with the butter to serve. (cooks note: boom done).

Eric’s crab cakes were essentially crab, a bit of mayo to bind and panko for coating. Perfect.

I dressed the table with three large pillar candles, red beaded placemats from Mexico, silver napkin holders, hammered silver flatware and red champagne flutes. Although I believe I forgot to shoot the table because I was so excited about dinner. Sorry, Darlings.

Here’s a peek at the souffle.

Fresh from the oven and dusted with powdered sugar.


To our plates.

And into our bellies! Nom nom nom. And having an excuse to practice my souffle skills is a delicious reason for dessert, yes?

But, Eric and I both agreed, the really special treat came this morning inside the delicate confines of four very fresh eggs, gifted to us by our oh-so-sweet friends Stephanie and Reeves, who raise chickens just a few blocks away from us. They taste nothing like what you buy from the grocery store. No, these are much more piquant, with a richness that betrays its supermarket brethren, and puts them to shame. And look, Stephanie puts the date each one, so you know exactly what day it was gathered.

Gathered 2 days ago! And more cooking in the background. In Beka!

We didn’t say too much during breakfast – we were too busy trying to savor every bite of those pristine eggs. Thanks Stephanie and Reeves!

Aren't they lovely?

Oh, and my Sweeties – I am giving away two tickets for The Wedding Experience tomorrow. You just need to comment here on this blog post. You don’t have to be a bride, you might have a friend who is getting married and could benefit from this – so get your comments in!

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to Nat King Cole – Love

Super Luxe Thanksgiving in New Orleans

Sunday, November 14th, 2010

Good Morning Darlings!

Yesterday we talked about running away to Palm Beach for Thanksgiving. Today, let me tell you what my special buddy Chef Matt Murphy and our dear friend Char Thian have planned for you in New Orleans.

1. Champagne – check
2. Live music – check
3. Luscious Brunch & Delectable Dinner – check
4. Petting Zoo – wait, what?

Yup, a petting zoo. Beat that. All at The Ritz-Carlton New Orleans.

The gorgeous lobby. Say hi to Concierge Rudy for me!

Your children will be thrilled. You can sip bubbly and they can pet a goat in the glamorous courtyard. Afterwards, savor gourmet specialties handcrafted by Chef Matt, Chef Bradley and Chef Johnny. Save room, because Chef Thomas is creating some amazing delicious desserts that you just cannot refuse. These guys are the best at what they do. When you are finished with your meal, take a walk down to the river to work off some of those calories, because at dinner you can return for more!

Chef Matt and me, during his Atlanta visit.

At 6 p.m., let M Bistro treat you to a five course meal executed in perfect style by Chef Matt. You won’t even have to leave to work off that extra piece of pie. Jeremy Davenport is in the house for your dancing and listening pleasure. If you book soon enough, you might be able to snag one of the plush cheater’s booths for you and your loved ones. I am not kidding when I say that my meal this past summer in the hands of Chef Matt was one of the very best of my life. He and his staff are incredible and you will be wowed, without a doubt. Pinky swear.

Done dining and dancing? Just stroll out to the lobby, push the elevator button and retire to your oh-so-comfy room for the night.

Mmmmm, just thinking of the meals at M Bistro makes me want to jump in the car and drive the 6 hours it takes from Atlanta, just to eat their cooking.

Go. Don’t hesitate. Make your reservations now.

(504) 670-2828 or no_restaurant.reservations@ritzcarlton.com

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to Harry Connick Jr. – Recipe for Love

Under A Mocha Moon

Tuesday, September 14th, 2010

Good Morning, Darlings!

From yesterday’s post you know that Sunday was fashion day. It ended with Victor’s fashion advice, but started with some lovely bags at a “Sip and See” hosted by my friend Tami at Talking With Tami. Tami always gives the most fun parties and since I had missed a few of them, I decided I could not miss this chance to see her at brunch, hosted by Parker’s On Ponce in Decatur.

We all gathered to fete Tami’s friend Lori, CEO of Mocha Moon, makers of lovely travel bags and totes. And you know I love a tote.

And brunch. How I love brunch. There were yummy mini quiches, luscious pastries and some of the most decadent whipped cream coffee I have ever had. Also super tempting was the sparkling pink lemonade (and if you know Tami, everything has to be pinktastic – and it was!)

As always, I met some of the most remarkable women. Dang, we have a lot of fab folk in Atlanta!

Diane, Jessica and Ursula

More Fun and Giveaways Inside!

Brunching In Style

Wednesday, September 1st, 2010

Good Morning, Darlings!

Have you ever met folks and just knew you all would be great friends? My new friend Victor is one of those folks. Victor is an image consultant and just the loveliest person. Our mutual friend Elizabeth introduced us and on Sunday we all met at Victor’s house for brunch. His house is one of those wonderful places you immediately feel at ease and could stay for hours.

And the food was delish, too!

Victor and me

More Fabulous Brunch Photos Inside