Did you guess that thing?

It’s a kitchen scale! Isn’t it cool?

Space age kitchen scale!

Check out everything this sleek baby offers:

Salter Nutrition Scale

Here is a device that analyzes your food and gives you the details about the amount of proteins, calories, sugars, carbohydrates, fiber, fat, cholesterol, sodium, GI value etc. You can then see the result on an LCD screen. The Salter Scale does this with the help of a database of 1440 foods and liquid items. It can also tell you the amount of food you ate on a day. The cost is $99.

Swanky!

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to The Thompson Twins – Lay Your Hands On Me

How was your weekend? Mine was divine. I spent all day yesterday watching some of the cheesiest movies and listening to the rain beat down on the roof.

What is this?

What the heck is this?

Tune in tomorrow to find out!

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to The Carpenters – Rainy Days and Mondays

If you have ever been a guest in our home, you know we love popcorn.

Popcorn has saved me on many an occasion – when I have forgotten to make an appetizer, just turn on the popcorn maker.

We need a quick snack – turn on the popcorn maker.

Is our sweet neighbor Rick coming by? He loves popcorn – so turn that thing on!

When the nice folks at Kernel Season’s sent me three different flavored spices for our popcorn, I jumped (popped?) at the chance.

Here’s what they look like.

Ready to season that popcorn!

And I thought I would get all arty and pose them in the popcorn.

I don't think any artists have to worry about me stealing their thunder...

Anyhoo, I thought these Kernel Season’s were swell. I really liked all three, with the bacon and cheddar edging out the other two by a nose.

I would imagine they would be tasty on baked potatoes, too. Mmmm – or on wings, that might be good.

If you are looking for a party in your mouth, look no further. Run out and grab the Kernel.

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to Huey – Pop Lock and Drop It

I love poker. I love game night. I love parties.

But I hate dusting and vacuuming before everyone arrives.

Eric and his buddies have a regular poker party once a month. I love poker, but wish I were better at it.

Secret confession: I love Vegas and wish I could visit more often to try my luck.
Real world: I think it’s been at least 3 years since I’ve visited.

What’s a girl to do? I dream about crushing the boys at their game and want to host my own poker night. But first, I need to bone up on my skills. Enter, online poker! I can log on (in my jammies, if I feel like it) and play to my heart’s content, while learning from the big boys.

How I would like to look playing poker (look at all my chips!)

Okay, so I probably will never look like that playing poker, and it might be another year or two before I get to Vegas, but hey, I can play at home, while eating pizza and drinking beer, on the comfort of my couch. I can even watch the WSOP (World Series of Poker) on television for inspiration before I jump into my own poker tournament.

Hmmm, what will I need to host my own online poker party with the girls? Not much – this is the new millennium, y’all. We don’t even have to be in the same room. We can play together online from our own homes.

Hot diggity! I won’t even have to dust to throw this party.

I’m all in!

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to Lady Gaga – Poker Face

This past weekend was filled with yummy food and fabulous friends.

And zombies, of course.

No, not dining with zombies. Zombies in the morning on Atlanta Movie Tours Big Zombie Tour (shameless plug!) After the tour, Eric and I grabbed a couple of beers at No Mas Cantina to celebrate Cinco De Mayo and then later that night, bestie John came over and cooked for Melanie and me while Eric had a guys’ night out. Sunday, Eric grilled fabulous pork chops and we drank wine at our house with Rick, Denise and Melanie.

Photos!

John's perfect baked brie en croute with walnuts and apricot preserves. OMG so good!

Mel's marvelous salad!

One amazing plate. Shrimp pesto pasta, garlic bread and Mel's salad.

John made cinnamon bars! My new favorite!

I found the recipe for these cinnamon bars on Foodgawker and sent it to John. He promptly spoiled me to death and made me a batch on Saturday night. I love my besties.

You can find the recipe here.

Make them and be a hero to everyone. Seriously.

Melanie, showing great restraint.

Oops, guess I forgot to shoot the dinner on Sunday. I couldn’t see past those cinnamon bars.

Oh, and we saw The Avengers on Friday night. In 3-D. Now I want shawarma.

What is shawarma, anyway?

Happy Tuesday!

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to Til Tuesday – Voices Carry

I am wrapping up the week with a little book review.

First the official word from Sweet Home, Rebecca Miller Ffrench’s lovely new cookbook (yes, it’s spelled with 2 Fs).

Rebecca Miller Ffrench’s wonderful new cookbook Sweet Home, which is not only filled with wonderful heritage recipes but also with craft and gift ideas that will help home cooks preserve their family recipes. Rebecca comes from a long-line of baker’s and when she found her grandmother’s diary which was filled with recipes, she was inspired. Rebecca began her quest to collect family recipes and to find a way to preserve them – she made recipe cards, hosted recipe swaps, created scrapbooks and accordion folders, platters with recipes on them, videos, a blog and finally her cherished cookbook which is coming out just in time for Mother’s Day from Kyle Books. Along the way, Rebecca discovered that recipes and food really do tell a family’s history. Her Great Grandma’s Chocolate Date Cake, Mom’s Banana Cake, her Dad’s German Chocolate Cake, and Rebecca’s favorite Boston Cream Pie (which was always her birthday cake of choice). Classics like Nilla Wafer Pudding and Black Bottom Ice Cream Pie may even take you back to your own childhood.

This book started with winning a place in my heart, and now a place in my kitchen. I especially love this video of Rebecca talking about how her family recipes are preserved. It also serves as grand inspiration when you see all the gorgeous treats.

I think it will inspire you, too.

Happy Friday and Happy Baking!

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to Lynyrd Sknyrd – Sweet Home Alabama

I love fried chicken. On Tuesday night here at the house I tried to fry some chicken for some friends. How did it go? I dang near burned the house down trying to fry chicken. It was wildly embarrassing. We ended up grabbing take out. See? It’s not all glam parties at my house. Every once in a while we have a clunker. But sparkling conversation made up for my kitchen gaffes and my husband’s running out to grab edible eats saved the night.

Executive Chef Joe Truex is bringing chickeny (is that even a word?) fried goodness to town at the new outpost for Watershed in the Brookwood Hills neighborhood. All the deliciousness you loved in Decatur has come to town. Whew. Thank goodness!

Executive Chef Joe Truex

I can’t wait!

Watershed on Peachtree will continue to boast an expansive wine program and bring back the highly celebrated fried chicken night on a new night. Wednesdays will now ‘pop’ with Watershed’s famous fried chicken and biscuits.

Smith Hanes designed the new construction space to have a naturally casual neighborhood feel, comfortable enough to dine there every day, yet refined enough for business meetings. Located in Atlanta’s only LEED certified high-rise condominium community, diners can expect a focus on green in both the cuisine and the architectural materials, which will reflect the preservation and reclamation aesthetic of the modern south.

With a nod to southern hospitality, diners enter into a warm and welcoming expansive bar area – one of four distinct spaces. Limed oak boards will cover the arched ceilings and floors, softening the dramatic concrete bar and walls of the bar. The outdoor terrace will be dotted with large colorful umbrellas and the separate dining room will sport antique wood tables and richly colored booths along the walls.

Heck, they could be cooking in the back of a truck. I am so glad they are here!

Now, who wants to hang with me on a Wednesday night?

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to the Indigo Girls – Watershed

You would think that spending time at the Ritz-Carlton would sate my hunger for luxury.

Not so.

It only makes me crave more.

I pretty much crave a trip to New Orleans almost all the time. Even in August. Heck, it’s hot everywhere, why not be hot in the coolest place in the nation? There’s always something going on, and it’s always in fashion. Remember when I took you there? Oh my gosholly, it was in 2010? I have to get back. You can read about that trip here and here.  The spa has gone unreviewed and Chef Vinny is now at the helm. And I miss my friend, Concierge Rudy. A trip really is in order.

But my ever-glamorous friend, Char, has all the details on everything that’s going on in the foodiest city in the USA. Char, details please?

DON’T LET RISING GAS PRICES PUT YOUR VACATION ON HOLD. ENJOY AN EASY TRIP TO THE BIG EASY!
(AND THERE’S AN APP, AND A CONCIERGE, FOR THAT)

Temperatures are rising along with gas prices, so book a trip to New Orleans and enjoy an easy, cost-effective, walkable, jazzy, spa, culinary, luggageless and app-friendly vacation.

New Orleans is a quick flight or a short drive for regional travelers, so getting to the city is easy. Most visitors don’t book rental cars simply because New Orleans is a walk able city. The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans is situated on the edge of the French Quarter, one block from Bourbon Street and in walking distance to the best that the Crescent City has to offer. Summer rates start at $199, a savings of 55% off of the hotel’s rack rates.

Mr. Rudy

New Orleans is renowned as the “home of the cocktail,” the “birthplace of jazz” and it is considered a culinary destination. The best of the Big Easy lies within and just outside the hotel’s doors. Every weekend, visitors to the hotel’s Davenport Lounge enjoy the jazz stylings of the hotel’s headline entertainer, Grammy-nominated artist Jeremy Davenport. Davenport will perform at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and the New Orleans Wine and Food Experience, both in May. Patrons can sample classics like the Ramos Gin Fizz, Brandy Milk Punch, Sazerac and Mint Julep from the lounge’s cocktail menu. M bistro restaurant, adjacent to the lounge, now boasts a list of breakfast cocktails and mocktails (Sunrise, Bellini, Chocolate and Reno Mocktail). For those who imbibe too much, the hotel’s Recovery Concierge offers his services and “cures” free of charge. This unique concierge assists Club Level guests’ recovery with his homemade Bite the Hair of the Dog Bloody Mary, a fancy Cure Royal (Kir Royal) or bottled water. During the summer and fall, the Crawfish Concierge, Snowball Sommelier and Oyster Butler offer their services to visitors in the hotel’s stunning French Quarter style courtyard.

Jeremy Davenport

Feeling guilty after eating the chocolates on your pillow? Guests of The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans are treated to complimentary chilled bottled water in a silver punch bowl along with jogging maps and towels as they exit for their morning run. Hotel guests also have free access to the hotel’s fitness center if the heat is too much to bear and the center’s indoor resistance pool provides the perfect spot to cool off post-workout. Reserving a Mimosa Champagne Massage at The Ritz-Carlton Spa, New Orleans will also provide relief from the heat. Ranked as the #1 Hotel Spa in the U.S. and Canada, the spa is oasis for visitors.

August, the hottest month of the year, just got a little cooler thanks to the COOLinary New Orleans promotion sponsored by the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau (NOMCVB). New Orleans finest restaurants, big and small, opt-in to offer a two-course lunch for $20 and a three-course dinner for $35 for patrons. M bistro restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans participates in this annual citywide promotion. Executive Chef Vinny Russo is working on the COOLinary menus and tastings are underway to revamp all of the hotel’s menu offerings.

My sweetie in the courtyard

For those who want a one-of-a-kind cultural and culinary experience, they can reserve the Sportsman’s Paradise package ($21,000 USD). It includes a charter boat fishing excursion in the Gulf of Mexico along with a sea plane, helicopter and limo ride. Most importantly, Chef Russo will prepare your fresh catch at the Chef’s Table in the kitchen of The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans.

Last, but not least, when it’s time to go home after a cost-effective excursion to the Big Easy, choose the hotel’s luggageless travel service. For roughly the same amount that it now costs to check your baggage, you can ship it to your home or office. Avoid check-in lines and ease your travel woes. The hotel does not charge a handling fee, so the only cost is that associated with the actual shipping.

TOP 10 THINGS YOU MUST DO IN NEW ORLEANS

APPS
CityGuide New Orleans Guidepal (free; highlights attractions and offers local recommendations)
French Quarter Finder (free; current events, news and hotspots in the French Quarter)
Garden District Historic Mobile Tour ($4.99; tour garden district homes and enjoy podcasts)
Gay New Orleans (.99; perfect companion for the gay or lesbian traveler)
Historic New Orleans (free; determines your location and shares photos from the 1920s through 1950s taken in the same spot)
New Orleans Bar Caddy (free; guide to 200+ bars, clubs and music venues)
New Orleans Official Visitors Guide (free; full of ideas to help you plan an unforgettable vacation)
New Orleans Best Bars ($2.99; well known, and not so well known, bars around the city)
Paranormal Guide ($6.99; enables you to investigate ghosts and paranormal activities in the haunted city of New Orleans)
Streetcar (free; interactive guide to New Orleans streetcars)

So hop in the car and drive on down to New Orleans. Every moment is a total delight.

And be sure and say Hi to Rudy and Char for me.  Tell them I send hugs.

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to Klymaxx – I Miss You

Today, we visit Lifehacker to find some killer kitchen tips. Some of these I knew, but others were new to me.

Can’t wait to try the egg tip!

Take a look and let me know what you think!

Kitchen Tips!

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to Pablo Cruise – Place In The Sun

Day Three of our glorious visit to The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte.

Today we are talking more about dining options at the hotel.

High on the 15th floor of the Ritz, sits Urban Sip. A veritable oasis of vino (and scotch!). 90 fabulous wines by the glass and 35 types of scotch are on hand for your imbibing pleasure. There is also a full bar, but we settled in with a gorgeous Pinot Noir. Chef Jon delivered the most gorgeous charcuterie and cheese tray to our table and in we dove. Plus, they brought us what was the best bread I have ever tasted. I was so enamored, I forgot to ask about it.

Just a few of the marvelous wines at Urban Sip.

My handsome husband.

We both got all dolled up for our big night out.

Bountiful delights with the most incredible view.

Shea, the charming Assistant Food & Beverage Director, stopped by our table to say hello, and Pia, our server, took the best care of us. It was over way too soon, as we had dinner reservations at BLT Steak.

From the 15th floor to Lobby Level, we were greeted at BLT Steak by Patrick, our server, and Keith Hensel, General Manager.

Glam, glam, glamorous BLT Steak!

Keith was so gracious to send out a lovely charcuterie plate to us – you can never have too much meat! This platter included a fantastic and spicy chorizo that we both loved.

Charcuterie Platter at BLT Steak.

Next up, were the famous BLT popovers – they were gigantic! Love them!

BLT's world famous popovers.

Tuna tartare is one dish I can never pass up. BLT does it right and serves it with homemade waffle chips. The surprise ingredient? It was topped with housemade crispy onions. Oh.My.Goodness!

Isn't this tuna tartare presentation lovely? It was so good.

Keith swung by to discuss entrees with us. You don’t see dover sole on a lot of menus, and Keith said it was wonderful. He’s the expert – I went with it. Eric decided on the veal chop. We chose the jalapeno mashed potatoes for our side, but Keith spoiled us by bringing out the roasted brussels sprouts and the roasted corn. I could have eaten a ton of that corn, filled with bacon.

Dover sole in a butter, caper and lemon sauce was over the top - in a great way!

Jalapeno Mashed Potatoes, BBQ Corn with bacon & chives, Roasted Brussels Sprouts with bacon

While enjoying a luscious red wine, Patrick asked if we were ready for dessert.

“Oh, we just couldn’t!” we exclaimed.

“How about you take a look at the dessert menu?” asked Patrick.

Well, golly, we didn’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings…

That was my excuse. And they had Crepe Souffle on the menu. What?

So, Eric ordered that. And I went for the Carrot Cake with Ginger Ice Cream, because I love all things ginger. Remember that year I was a redhead?

Carrot Cake with Ginger Ice Cream. And Cream Cheese Frosting.

That cake tasted like moist carrot cake wrapped in a cinnamon roll, and I can never resist a cinnamon roll. I die.

Apparently, I have a hard time with temptation. But we’ll save that topic for another day.

Crepe Souffle. With Passion Fruit.

I have no clue how they make this, but man oh man, it was scrumptious. Rich and light at the same time. Gorgeous.

And we sipped on lattes. Oh, those lattes were yummy.

Wait – we haven’t had enough to eat! Wait – are you kidding me? Because Patrick delivered 2 perfect bites of brownie deliciousness.

Two tiny bites of heaven.

Shame on Patrick. It’s all his fault.

That’s my story and I’m sticking to it. Sorry, Patrick.

Returning to our room, we were greeted by two swoony lemony/white chocolate/walnut cookies and a lovely note from Chef Jon Farace.

I still haven’t figured out how we can live full time at The Ritz-Carlton, but I’m working on it.

Probably best for my waistline for now.

A million thanks to every single person who made this trip so very special: Bonnie Crail, PR princess extraordinaire, Dan & Whitney at the front desk, Michael our bellman, David the sweet GM, Sarah who drove us to the dive bar in the swanky hybrid BMW house car, Sade Ann at Bar Cocoa, Chef Jeannette at the Cocoa Lab, Chef Jon who sent cookies and Chef Jon at Urban Sip (along with Pia and Shea), Lindsay & Courtney who took great care of us during tea, Anne, Dee, Dearest and Jodi at the Spa, and Patrick & Keith at BLT Steak. If I am missing anyone, I certainly apologize, because everyone we met was remarkable.

Again, it’s the people. Without the amazing staff at The Ritz-Carlton, you would only have 4 pretty walls.

But we both know it is SO much more than that.

Have a wonderful weekend, Darlings!

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to James Taylor – Carolina In My Mind