You know Eric and I had the best time visiting New York. Our sweet friend, Johnny P., lent us his Brooklyn Heights apartment and upon arrival, saw the most breathtaking view of the Statue of Liberty. Amazing.

I though you all would like to see some photos.

Enjoy!

View from Brooklyn!

I was on the hunt for the best black and white cookie.

My now-NYC Darlings, Taruan & Chioke, hang with Eric outside of SpiNYC. A ping pong emporium.

We met the owner and chef of SpiNYC’s restaurant, Ducks. Yum, ducks….

Inside SpiNYC

This place had the best mac and cheese I have ever eaten. Seriously.

Duck's Mac and Cheese. Mmmmmm.

Chioke and I visited while Eric and Taruan played ping pong.

Eric takes a turn.

Taruan's turn.

Then we left to catch “Late Night With Jimmy Fallon”, at NBC. This was a blast. Seeing The Roots and Jimmy Fallon live was a major treat. But first, we popped into Magnolia Bakery to see what was cooking.

Lets go inside!

Check out the light as air treats!

After Jimmy Fallon, we went somewhere for a drink…I think. And then Chioke found this amazing spot for dinner, Gemma. I adored this place, it was like eating dinner with the Addams Family. Candles dripping wax everywhere, fabulous pasta. Loved it.

I neglected to mention that on our first night there, Taruan chose The Collective for drinks and then Chioke chose Pastis for dinner. The Collective had the coolest decor – everything was made from recycled materials. Seeing Rob Corddry at dinner was pretty neat, too.

Eric and I visited Momofuku’s Ssam Bar and to our surprise, there was no line. Wow. We ordered at the counter and the server brought out the most magnificent duck I have ever eaten. All cooked on a rotisserie. I need a rotisserie. Now.

That duck. Ohhh, that duck.

On Friday night, Chioke, Eric and I went to see Chris Rock’s new play on Broadway. It was fantastic. Afterwards, we popped into legendary restaurant, Joe Allen. Coming into the theater and leaving the theater the same night we ran into Nathan Lane. How cool is that?

After dinner, we went to Don’t Tell Mama, a wild piano bar, where we stayed, sang and listened to others sing until 4 a.m. What does one need in Times Square at 4 a.m.? McDonald’s of course!

We also attended a comedy show at The Comedy Cellar where we met Louis C.K. and saw Colin Quinn. There were a lot of celebrity sightings this trip.

Saturday morning, Chioke took us to the Brooklyn Flea and a food festival. Lots of fun.

This fellow was shaving ice from this huge block to make Italian Ice.

Eric and Chioke compare notes.

Fresh lobster rolls.

Eric and I dined Saturday night at Petrossian, the caviar palace. It was divine. No pictures were snapped, because I was a bit intimidated to take photos in there. But trust me, it was fantastic. Thank you Honey!!

Sunday found us with my buddy, Steve Hayes at the Met to view the Alexander McQueen exhibit. It was beyond words. Stunning. If it comes to your town, you must not miss it.

That gives you a good idea of how we spent our time. It was wonderful and I cannot thank Johnny P, Taruan and Chioke enough for showing us the best time.

Today blogging to Ace Frehley – Back in the NY Groove

I am still glowing from the weekend’s activities. Last Friday, I got some surprise news that tickled me to no end. It was a treat I wanted to share with our very besties and neighbors so I sent out an email asking everyone to be at our house on Saturday between 5- 7pm for a huge surprise.

All the guesses I received were hilarious – was I pregnant (what?!?!), did I get a television show (hmmm…), are we moving (hell no!!!)

But I knew it would make all of us smile and warm our hearts in a big way.

And it did.

Our darling, dearest bestie, Taruran was in town to move his sister back north and he had exactly 2 hours to spend with us. If you will remember, Taruan and Chioke have moved to NYC to go back to school and their departure has left a hole in our happy little social circle.

But for two hours on Saturday, all was right with the world and we were together once more. The look on everyone’s face upon seeing Taruan was priceless. Having T here and getting to hug him was priceless. Surprising all our favorite darlings with such a precious surprise was priceless.

Let me tell you my sweeties, you cannot put a price on the best stuff. And this was some of the best.

Everyone is abuzz with Taruan's presence. He just wants a cupcake.

Taruan and Chioke tell me there are no Pattis in NYC. Awwwww. I love you guys.

Our three Ts - Tracy, Taruan and Teague

Part of our group - where was everyone else? Imbibing? Celebrating? Probably.

And then, as soon as he arrived, he was off – poof. Into thin air.

So we all went across the street to Tracy’s annual soup party. Which was a blast. 60 guests, 60 soup bowls, one badass homemade photo booth. Unbelievable.

Photos of Souperfest? Ooops, I was so excited about seeing Taruan and sipping bubbly that I just plumb forgot. Sorry. But it was a blast and made us temporarily forget that Taruan was on his way back to the world’s most thrilling city. Lucky New York.

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to Mary J. Blige – Family Affair (T- you know this is MY jam!)

You would call Eddie Ross a designer on Bravo’s Top Design, the former Senior Style Editor for Martha Stewart Living, Decorating Editor for House Beautiful, Contributing Editor to Woman’s Day and wildly popular blogger.

I am lucky enough to call him my friend.

When I learned that Eddie and his ultra fabulous beau, Jaithan, were going to be in town in July, they were so kind to set aside some time in their incredibly busy schedules to join us for dinner.

Okay, now that they have agreed to dinner – where do I go from here? This was not to be a wienie cookout with s’mores (though there is nothing wrong with that!), but needed to be warm, inviting and sophisticated – like the two of them.

Warm – check
Inviting – check
Sophisticated – let me work on that

The food is always important, but first you have to have the perfect mix of guests. This is key, my darlings, or else you will have a flop on your hands, no matter what fabulous food you are serving.

I wanted this to be a small, intimate dinner so my guest list was of the utmost importance. This was our group:

Eddie + Jaithan (of course!)

Eric and I (well, duh…)

Tami, my friend, food stylist and author of Running With Tweezers and her lively, fun friend Terri (you met her here)

Christy, CEO of Peas For Prosperity

Taruan, my beloved friend, who you have met here at the blog and was moving to NYC the very next day(!!) to go to Parsons School of Design

And at Eddie and Jaithan’s suggestion, the most delightful Kerry Howard (Eddie’s fellow designer from Top Design) and his bestie, Tyler

I invited Kerry and was beyond thrilled that he and Tyler agreed to join us. It was the icing on the cake.

Super Fab Guest List – Check

Now for the table and the food.

I set the table with my gorgeous gold embossed Moroccan-inspired glasses that I used as votive holders, gold chargers and a white milk glass bowl filled with green and yellow fruit as an homage to a centerpiece Eddie designed for Southern Living.

Table Set - Just Add Laughter!

If you notice, there are no plates on the table. Eric and I decided to plate the dinner for a little extra sophistication. A first for us, I believe.

Close Up of My Great Gold Flatware Sent to Me By My Sweet Friend, Allison

And I didn’t have 10 of any one gold charger, so I just mixed them up. It worked well.

And now, for the menu:

Endive Stuffed With Tabouli – Starter

Segura Vida Cava & Canton Ginger Liqueur or St. Germain – Welcome Cocktail

Grilled Lamb Chops

2006 Cynthiana, Three Sisters Vineyard

2006 Chardonnay, Three Sisters Vineyard

Tomatoes Stuffed With Corn, Bacon & Chiles

Oven Roasted Broccoli Florets

Onion Flatbread

With everything in place and the music picked by my darling husband (lots of upbeat tunes so no one would snooze…), we were ready to greet our friends. And away we go!

Endive Stuffed With Tabouli

A Bit of Canton Mixed With Bubbly Makes A Yummy Welcome Drink

First to arrive – Eddie  + Jaithan. With the sweetest hostess gift – salt and pepper cellars. Love them!

Crystal Salt & Pepper Cellars

Eddie and I Sample The Endive

I Get A Chance to Visit With Jaithan Before The Rest Arrive

I just love Eddie + Jaithan. I love how well they compliment each other. Eddie is ebullient, bubbly and fabulous. Jaithan is a modern day Cary Grant, debonair, well-spoken and fabulous. They are the best of the best. Just being in their company makes one feel better about life and all it has to offer.

Eric, Eddie, Jaithan and I got the last minute details in place before the rest of the guests arrived. Eric lit the grill for the lamb, Eddie styled the appetizers and he & Jaithan put together the welcome cocktails.

Eddie and Christy Enjoy A Beverage

Terri Samples A Little Nibble

Tyler and Kerry Join The Party

Upon seeing me, Kerry proclaimed that I looked like a big piece of pink bubble gum. I consider this a compliment. Pink! Bubble gum! What’s not to like?

Taruan Relaxes On His Last Night In Atlanta

I know I should have been nervous with all these interior designers in the house, but I wasn’t! Oh, the wonders of bubbly! lol

Tami and Eddie Get To Know Each Other

And then dinner was ready. Everyone, take your seats.

Three Sisters Wine Flowed...

It was exciting to showcase only Georgia wines at dinner. My friends Doug and Sharon really know what they are doing.

One Plated Dinner

Taruan Pours A Glass of Chardonnay For Christy

For dessert? Well, Jaithan recently celebrated a birthday and since it was so close, I wanted to celebrate with him. Eddie told me that Jaithan’s favorite cake is red velvet, so off I went to the city’s best baker – Cake Hag and placed my order. They make their red velvet cake with a red wine reduction – tres chic. Like Jaithan!

Happy Belated Birthday, Jaithan!

The cake truly was as smooth as velvet. And the icing was not the extra heavy cream cheese type. This was much lighter. No one felt weighed down after indulging in a slice. The cake was paired with Three Sisters Georgia Port, a gift to me from my friends Doug and Sharon. It was the perfect match. The three candles represent past, present and future.

We Were Able To Surprise Jaithan

Thumbs Up All Around, Maggie!

Kerry and Jaithan Give Their Seal of Approval

Scoring A Hug From Kerry and Jaithan

Time to Change Chairs At The Table

Kerry and Christy

Tami and Eddie

Jaithan and Christy

Kerry, Tami and Eddie

The Remains of a Very Happy Evening

It’s rare to have television stars, interior designers, food stylists and fab guys like my Eric all at one table. But we did this night. And it was the greatest time. Filled with hilarious repartee, amazing wines and fine food. Eric, Honey, thanks for manning the grill in the hellish heat and for being the photographer for the night. You make my life a living dream.

One last shot.

So Great Having Everyone Here!

Eddie + Jaithan arrived with gifts and when they left for the evening, left me with two even greater gifts – Kerry and Tyler’s friendship. Thank you to my wonderful friends – I can’t wait for you to return so we can do it all again.

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to Dirty Dancing Soundtrack – Time of My Life

On day one, after spending the afternoon on the Crush Pad with Doug, Sharon and Chef Dairen, we drove home to Atlanta where Eric had made dinner reservations at Abbatoir. It was a splendid affair, although no pictures. A couple needs to have some private time, after all.

But on Sunday, we made our favorite baked potato salad and headed over to Jay and Valerie’s house for their fabulous fried chicken, and Curtis’ world famous pulled pork and lots of other goodies. And of course, I brought my camera!

She's A Grand Old Flag, She's A High Flying Flag....

Jay and Valerie are masters at frying chicken and there was bunch of it! Curtis made his pulled pork, (you met him here), I made potato salad, but there was also pasta salad, deviled eggs, Taruan’s amazing baked beans, Chioke’s wowee jello shots(!!), watermelon (of course – it’s July 4th!), cobbler and I’m sure lots of other dishes I am forgetting. I blame the jello shots.

Mr. Photo, please!

Mmmm, Fried Chicken!

Baked Beans and Deviled Eggs

The Aforementioned Jello Shots

No, Chioke did not make one type of jello shot – he made three! The green is a margarita shot, the dark red are Jack Daniels and black cherry and the last offering was Tropic Thunder – Malibu Rum, pineapple and cranberry juices. That last one was my favorite. Oh yes, yes, it was.

One Perfect, Carb Laden Plate

Curtis even made his own bbq sauce. Yum, yum, yum.

World Famous Curtis, Our Own BBQ KIng

Sweet Denise

Tim and Becky, Cutting Up

Our Buddy Rick

Taruan & Valerie, Kicking Back

Darling Chioke and Me

Mr. Perfect and Me!

Shane, Showing Off His Neighborhood Gear

I Love The Impish Look On Valerie's Face Here....

Always Adorable Marcus and Shawn

I'm Pretty Sure This Was Later In The Evening...

It was a perfect way to not only celebrate July 4th, but to celebrate Eric and I moving home to Atlanta just one short year ago today.

Thanks again, Jay and Valerie, for hosting – you all are the greatest!

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to Zac Brown Band – Chicken Fried

Who else saw Iron Man 2 this weekend? Show of hands? Me, me!! A group of our besties got together and caravaned to the drive-in to enjoy the late spring weather and have a little cookout (any reason for a cookout with our friends!) We joined our friends and neighbors, Jay & Val, Chioke & Taruan and Jay’s sister, Heather, and had a blast.

Jay and Val had obviously done this before and brought a portable grill, all the turkey brats and potato salad. I brought cole slaw, chips & spinach dip, Italian sausages and a lobster tail. We all parked next to each other (that was a feat – it was packed!) and got to grilling. Val also made sangria and the fun began.

Chef Jay Firing Up The Grill

While the food was grilling, we visited, snacked and caught up with each other.  Everyone else there had the same idea – it was amazing the amount of people with grills and fancy set-ups we saw.  Big groups of folks, just hanging out and enjoying the weather.

This is really best told with photos.

Lots of Folks Had The Same Idea

The Back of the SUV Makes for a Great Serving Area - Pre-Dinner Treats

Darlings Chioke & Taruan

Jay Takes A Break From Cooking To Visit With Me

Nom, Nom, Nom - It's a Cookout, Y'all!

Sweeties Heather and Val Enjoy A Sangria

This Saturday is Val’s graduation party – but more about that later! Congrats, Val!

We Are Still An Hour From The Start of Iron Man 2, But Having Fun

Our Funny Cooler and the New Radio Eric Picked Up for Tonight - You Can Wind It Up! Isn't That Cool?

A little backstory on that cooler. It’s brand new, but our neighborhood can be rough in patches, so Eric deduced that a crummy looking cooler wouldn’t get taken. My incredibly smart husband!

Men, Men, Men...Manly Eric and Jay - What's Happening, Guys?

The sun started to set and we snuggled into our seats with our plates of yumminess.

Food Is Ready!

Eric and Taruan, Pre-Movie

Is It Time for Iron Man 2, Yet?

And suddenly, it is ridiculously cold! Who expected that? Why, Jay and Val, that’s who.  They brought blankets for us all. You all are the greatest! Thanks.

Taruan Finds The Back of the Escape Makes a Great, Uh, Escape!

But Not Before Posing With Me and Val...

The sun goes down and I snuggle with one of Val and Jay’s blankets and get ready for the previews. Don’t you love previews? Me, too.

Preview For Shrek #15, Or Something - How Many Shrek Movies Have They Made Already?

And then, it’s time for Iron Man 2. Oh, boy, it was good. Full of fun. So go see it, if you haven’t already. And under the stars, it was even better. And with great friends, it was the best.

The movie was over and no one was ready for the party to be over, so everyone popped over to our house to watch Betty White on SNL. Which, I bet, might have been the most watched SNL ever.  Hilarious.

Hope your weekend was as much fun.

xoxo, Patti

This past Friday was my sweet Taruan’s birthday date of birth celebration day. Called a “get together” by his partner, Chioke. Tomato, tomahto – I call it a party. And it was such fun!

Chioke always has something surprising and fun at his parties get togethers and this time was no different. Take a look at the outside of their house as we walked up.

Nope, That Doesn't Scream "Party". Not One Bit.

How about we call it a “birthday roundup”? Maybe that sounds too much like a rodeo. Anyhoo…

More surprises awaited us inside. Chioke had rented a frozen drink machine for making margaritas and daquiris. Mmmmmm!

Still Not A Party?

And there was pizza from Slice. And beer. And Jenga. And Trouble – anyone remember Trouble from their childhood? Yup, we played that, too.

Frozen Drinks Give You A Brain Freeze? How About A Stella?

Crystal brought her wicked deviled eggs (really, this seems like a party)…I consumed as many as I could before they were all gone. I’m not kidding, these things could be a food group.

Our Bestie, And Host for The Evening, Chioke

And we played Jenga. We are a Jenga lovin’ bunch, I tell you.

Tiffany Takes Her Turn At Jenga

PJ, Chioke and Tauran - Who May or May Not Have Had A Birthday Party...

Jenga Break

From the Top, Marcus, Sean, Julian, Val and Leila

Eric and Tiffany Enjoy the, uh, Round Up!

Next up, Trouble. Hilariously played as adults.

Remember? I'm Sure That Popping Noise Drove My Mother Insane When I Was A Kid

Taruan and I Playing Trouble

And there were card games, too. Are you sure this isn’t a party, Chioke?

PJ and Taruan Play Spades, But Not At A Party, Mind You...

And there were tons of laughs.

Our Newest Friends and Neighbors, Sean and Marcus

Ashley, Tiffany and Val

Harold and Brandon At the Card Table

My Number One Darling

And then, all of a sudden, a HUGE cake appeared. With candles. And gummy bears.  I don’t know about you, but cake always says party to me. Although, this could just be the dessert portion of the night. You decide.

Dessert For The Date Of Birth Gathering

And then Taruan made a wish and blew out all the candles. But don’t call this a party.

Blowing Out the Get Together Dessert Candles. Still, NOT A PARTY...

Oh, who is anyone kidding? This was every bit a party and a great one, at that. Thanks, Chioke for your constant inspiration and to you and Taruan both for being the dearest friends. We love you!

xoxo, Patti

As I look back to February and whip out all the fun nights we’ve shared with friends, I had almost forgotten this one.  After returning from NOLA, we invited our sweeties Taruan and Chioke for a sweet night.  And from the looks of the photos we took, you would think there was no dinner served….but I just cannot recall.   Although, here is evidence that I made some fresh tortilla chips.

Mmmm, Fresh Chips!

You all know how to do this, right?  Take a stack of small tortillas, cut them in half and half them again.  Fry in hot oil, scoop out and sprinkle with kosher salt. Devour.

Almost too easy – and so much better than store bought.

But the main event was the opening of one very special parcel, wrapped beautifully and ready to be opened with great friends. Chioke has been making fig bourbon(!!) and brought over all the fixings for a very special martini. A Chioke Figtini! Super yummy.

Everything One Needs for a Proper Figtini

After eating – did we actually have dinner? Anyhoo, after fig martinis it was time to crack open a bottle of bubbly and get to it.

It's Almost Time!

And then we opened them. More like unveiled them, they are such beauties. Like little jewels. But these are the incredible chocolates from Sucre.

A Box Full of Wonder and Surprise

Aren’t they divine? Just looking at them again makes me feel pampered. Everyone got a little bite of each one, with all of us picking our favorites. I could tell by this photo we picked the right friends to share them with.

Chioke, Enjoying The Treats

And then, there were none.

Nothing Left But Lovely Smelling Paper

What are you sharing today? I would love to hear.

xoxo, Patti

Listening to Lady GaGa while writing this post. Still reeling from her amazing concert on 12/28. So, when I saw an ad for a new Wii game, “Just Dance“, I knew this would make for a great party evening.

With the snow keeping the majority of our neighbors inside recently, I decided to make a few calls last Friday and invite a few buddies to come by, and, well, just dance.

This game is hilarious. Not only is it a blast to play, but even more fun to watch.  There were six of us gathered at our house around 9pm and the fun started.  Taruan, Chioke, Eric and I took to the living room floor and got moving. I believe we started with “Hot and Cold” by Katy Perry.  You just follow the dancer on the screen and do what they do. This sounds so much easier than it is.  But in no time, Taruan, The Dance King, was killing. He was trouncing all over everyone. He could not be beat. Val and Jay joined us a bit later and the party was in full swing.

All that dancing works up an appetite, so I pulled out the homemade twix bars I had made the night before and they were devoured. Time to mix a few adult beverages and back to the dance floor.

We didn’t stop until 2am, when I decided to whip up some biscuits and sausage gravy. Not everyone eats pork, so I put out some raspberry/jalapeno jelly and the beloved honey bear. Chioke had the grand idea to slather the biscuits first with the jelly and then the sausage gravy.  Across the table I asked him how he came up with the idea – “Greed,” was all Chioke said, with an evil little smile.

If you had tasted it, you would agree that a little greed can be a very good thing indeed.

Four more shopping days until Christmas! So exciting!

This weekend was a bundle of fun.  Friday night my darling and I spent the evening in, watching movies and cuddling up on the couch. Perfect time!  Saturday was Val and Jay’s White Elephant Party. You know about White Elephant parties, right?  Everyone brings an inexpensive gift and puts it under the tree.  Then a corresponding number goes into a hat for drawing later.  You all draw numbers (although Jay and Val did theirs a bit different – they put everyone’s name into a hat and then drew them for picking a gift), pick a gift, unwrap it and decide whether you want to keep it or trade for a gift that someone else has.  It was just a blast.  All our neighbors were there (I seriously love walking to and from these parties!), the food was great and the gifts hilarious.  Sorry, but some of them were fairly NSFW (not suitable for work viewing), but I did take plenty of photos.  Take a look:

Curtis and Shannon Compare Notes

Me, With Justin, The Christmas Elf (Actual Size, 6 Feet Tall...)

Two Gorgeous Faces - My Eric and Our Sweet Friend, Leila

Justin and Chioke Share A Laugh

Best Buddies Patti and Chioke

Jacqai, Sarah and Our Host For The Evening...The Always Fab Jay

Is Eric Really Surrounded By Twinkling Lights Or Are Those Just The Stars In My Eyes?

Adorable Hostess Val and Equally Adorable Neighbor Tiffany

Hey Look! Eric Gets Every Flavor of MD 20/20. Party!

One of Those NSFW Gifts - But They Sure Made Everyone Laugh!

After all the gifts were opened, Chioke asked if I would go with him to pick up Taruan from his office party. Now, if I haven’t mentioned it, Taruan is an interior designer for Bill Johnson’s Studio. I have been a fan of them since way before I met Taruan, so to be able to take a peek inside their holiday party was too much. They have designed all the coolest restaurants in Atlanta…and beyond. The party was held at Bill’s home in Midtown and was totally fab. As I was being taken as a guest, I know you will understand that I did not feel that it was appropriate for me to bring my camera. So, alack and alas, no photos. But I did have a great time and finally(!) got the opportunity to meet the wonderful Sharon Severance, who I have been corresponding with for a long time. Everyone was so warm and open and I really enjoyed my glimpse into how the other half parties.

At around 11:30 p.m., the music really started pumping at the party with Michael Jackson’s “Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough”…it was almost enough to make Chioke, Taruan and I stay, but after a quicky dance in the vestibule, we popped out of the front door, giggling and just generally having a ball. I proclaimed that I must hear more Michael Jackson music in the car and when Chioke turned on the radio, low and behold…there was MJ singing “Off The Wall”…it was a Christmas miracle!

Back at Jay and Val’s we partied some more with our fab neighbors and then ducked home for a bottle of champagne. Joined by Taruan, Chioke and Tracy at around 1:30 a.m., we enjoyed some bubbly and watched SNL. By 3 a.m., it was time for bed.

I’ve saved the best photo of the evening for last. Here is a picture of our friend and neighbor Shane, with the best gift of the night – The Grill. Now he can finally pursue his dream of being a rap singer. Kudos, Shane!

MC Shane

I hope the holidays are giving you belly laughs!

xoxo, Patti

1pm – Weird Science

3pm – Coming To America

5pm – Heathers

7pm – Labyrinth

It was so much fun.  Chioke rented a popcorn machine, and set up bbq nachos, cookies and beer for us to enjoy. But you know what, these guys are so much fun we could have had just as great a time in the middle of a field sitting on hay bales.

How Cute Is This Popcorn Machine? Just Like Being At The Theater!

BBQ Nachos Ready to Go

The Drink Basin Has The Opener Built In - Love It!

But for a food lover like myself, the greatest surprise came in the form of the Magic Berries, a cool little berry that alters one’s taste buds to make sour things taste sweet. There have been “taste tripping parties” all over the world since their discovery and although I had read about them, I had never had the opportunity to try one.

Until Sunday.

The Magical Berries!

Chioke and Taruan ordered a bundle for us to try at the movie party. There were all kinds of foods set out for us to sample after we ate the berry. You sort of let the berry melt in your mouth so that your tongue is coated with the juices and then you try some sour foods. First up – lemons.

Waiting For The Tasting

The lemons tasted like the freshest lemonade I had ever tried. It was so exciting. The sour edge was taken out. It still tastes like a lemon, but more like a lemon candy.

Then we tried grapefruit. I am not a grapefruit fan, but this was really good. Sweet and juicy, with none of the bitter aftertaste.

There was balsamic vinegar that disguised itself as maple syrup and jalapeño peppers that seemed as if they had been coated in sugar.

A taste trip, indeed.

Here are a couple of photos of our friends Jay and Val trying the berries and Val sampling the lemon afterward.

Jay and Val Get Ready To Taste Trip

Val With Her Lemon Slice and One of Our Sweet Hosts, Taruan

I thought this was the greatest idea for a party – ever. You could take 20 people who had never met, let them try the berry and tastings together and you would wind up with a room of 20 new friends.

And just in case you were wondering – no, these berries are not illegal and no, they do not alter your consciousness – just your taste buds. The effect lasts from 15 minutes to 1.5 hours. In my case, I would say I was closer to the 15 minute mark. That was plenty of time to enjoy all the non-sour fun!

After taste tripping on magic berries, I plopped onto Chioke and Taruan’s very comfy couch and watched Weird Science followed by Coming To America…four hours of being a couch potato. After the second movie, the party started to fill up, so we decided to give up our seats, go home to our own couch and plop down there with our dogs.

It was a magical day!

Special thanks to our darlings Chioke and Taruan for taking a day of watching videos and turning it into a happening. As always.

xoxo, Patti