It is no secret that I am totally enamored of The Ritz-Carlton. And I promise, it is not the extravagant crystal chandeliers, the winding staircases or even the best spas in the world. It is the people of the Ritz that bowl me over every time.
Eric and I stayed one night recently at The Ritz-Carlton, Reynolds Plantation. This property is special to us because it was our first Ritz-Carlton. Just one year ago we were welcomed with open arms as I entered to write a story about this fabulous luxe lodge on sparkling Lake Oconee.
Last night I helped Swoozie’s celebrate their 10th birthday and it was so much fun. Their Chastain Square store is huge and filled with anything you could ever need for a party.
With Valentine’s Day right around the bend, I bet you are trying to decide how to impress your sweetheart, yes? I have a couple of ideas that will thrill couples or singles (after all, why not celebrate the friends that are always there for you?)
My fab friend Maura over at 365 Atlanta (however does she find such cool things for us every.single.day?) has the perfect idea for tonight – a Champagne Tasting…for $15 dollars!!!! Sign me up. Pack up all your favorites in the car and pop on up to Dunwoody to Alon’s for this evening of bubbly fun!
Ok, you have your bubbly all picked out – but why just pour a plain glass of champagne when you can glam it up? My sweet friend Jamie in NYC is shaking things up with Corzo Tequila and champagne – my buddies in the big city sure know how to do it right!! Here’s a special cocktail that is sure to make your valentine giddy! Oh, and don’t forget to save a bit of your Corzo Tequila for the exciting recipe after this one!
A blush drink for your blushing Valentine.
Corzo Amor
1 part of Corzo Silver Rose petals and Hibiscus infusion
3/4 part Elderflower liqueur (St. Germain)
Top with Champagne
Serve in a champagne glass and finish with a lemon twist.
Where to find Hibiscus flowers: Any Latin American market or health store.
Where to find Rose petals: Any Latin American market (Rosa de Castilla dry).
Aw, criminy, does the boss have you working late tonight and you can’t make the champagne tasting? Well, that’s okay, Sugar, I have an ultra cool idea you can do at home. I adore this idea and I am just unhappy I didn’t think of it first. It is so brilliant.
Gorgeous Naomi over at Bakers Royale is whipping up these insanely fab treats for her friend’s parties. Take a look.
They’re jello shooters, y’all!!! OMG, aren’t they the coolest things ever? Naomi has also fashioned shooters to look like lemon wedges and rock candy. She is today’s big blog crush.
Whoever you make these for is bound to feel very, very special indeed. Go ahead, impress your lovey!
What have you planned for Valentine’s Day?
xoxo, Patti
Today blogging to Frank Sinatra – My Funny Valentine
My friend Curtis is a hoot – he is always coming up with new ideas for food. Last week he thought it would be cool to make a watermelon keg and fill it with champagne. I invited him over to build it at our house so I could document the entire process.
Our last day in New Orleans was off to a slow start. We had a quiet breakfast on a patio in the French Quarter and just moseyed around town on foot. The sky was grey and the day was misty. I didn’t even take any photos.
I trust you all had a bang up Christmas. We certainly did. There were six of us gathered around the table this year and it was the one of the nicest Christmases I can remember. Oh, we had fun. But you knew that already, didn’t you?
First, let me list the menu:
Prime Rib, Dry Aged By Eric
Yorkshire Pudding
Mashed Potatoes
Peas
John’s Awesome Veggie Bake w/Brussel Sprouts, Portabellos, Broccoli, Wild Rice, Cheese (Everyone had at least 2 helpings of this!)
Beef Gravy
Chocolate Brioche Bread Pudding w/Homemade Whipped Cream
Everything Cookies
Buckets and Buckets of Champagne
