As I mentioned last week, my mac decided it had too many photos on it and refused to upload even one more. This was a tragedy because I lost all the photos I took at Erin & Chris’ new, beautiful home.
But I still want to tell you all about it, I will just have to substitute some pictures. Bear with me. The bonus is the recipe, sweeties!
You remember my adorable friends Chris and Erin, right? They are so funny and lovable, being with them is like a big hug. They just moved into their new house as newlyweds and it is awesome! A great kitchen, an amazing dining and living room and way, way, up the stairs, is a man cave for Chris, with all his media. I look forward to a dance party up there soon.
The lovely fellows over at the AFFPS (that’s Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces), have asked me to come aboard as their PR and Partnerships Director. Isn’t that swell? Not only do they have a fab gallery in Decatur, but they are the folks responsible for that fantastic open market at Atlantic Station each weekend. I have picked up several darling trinkets for myself between checking out the sales at Old Navy and The Gap.
The Chastain Park Arts Festival opens tonight with a screening of “Grease” on the park lawn. Pack up all your Pink Ladies and head on over with your cozy blankets for a fun singalong in the park at 6 p.m.
Saturday morning you and your furry best friend can join in the pet parade at 10:30 a.m. Be sure to bring your own coffee mug for $1.00 refills! There is live music to enjoy as you take in all the marvelous art. You will also be able to see some of the artists at work (something you don’t see at many festivals). And maybe pick up a few Christmas gifts while you are at it (or maybe something gorgeous for yourself!)
Come by and say hi to me in the morning, or if you have other plans on Saturday, you can always catch the festival on Sunday until 5 p.m. I’ll be there both days for a bit.
My life has given me such amazing friendships and as you know, people come and go, but when one comes back, it is one of the greatest gifts. I received such a gift last week.
Johnny P and I go way back. Way, way back. I won’t even tell you how far. But it’s far, I tell you. He and I have lived in Atlanta for many years and although we don’t live far apart, we never get together. Life gets in the way.
But we changed all that last week. My swanky friend, Caren West, of Caren West PR arranged a very special tasting for the three of us at Cafe Circa, in the Old Fourth Ward neighborhood of Atlanta.
How could this have been here for 3 years, without me noticing?
I received an email from reader Zach, and he popped the question – about risotto! He was having some folks over for dinner and was concerned about leaving his guests while he slaved away over the pot of creamy rice. An excellent inquiry, Zach. After the dinner, he emailed me to let me know how it all had gone and I asked him to guest blog for me. Plus, I just bought a new laptop (bye bye little Mac, how I loved you….) and I am getting used to all the new bells and whistles.
So, without further adieu, here’s Zach!
My name is Zachary Olah and I live in Columbus, Ohio. By day I work as a criminal defense attorney, but by night and weekend I dream of wielding a chef’s knife in the trenches of fine restaurants, or catering large swanky events…heck, I even dream of flipping greasy burgers at a local diner. I simply love cooking, but do I love entertaining? As I planned a dinner party for 10 I realized there was more to it than just cooking.
My story began on a Sunday night when my wife Courtney and I, as well as our two children, were meeting with a small group of friends from our church. We meet nearly every week at one of our homes, and along with some spiritual nourishment we often times enjoy refreshments and light banter. Currently we are reading through a parenting book and discussing parenting issues as we go, while our children are running about the house enjoying themselves. All of our talk and focus on our kids one night gave me an epiphany. It occurred to me that nearly all of our time spent with these wonderful people was also spent with all of our children or talking about our children. We all needed a date night without the kids, and what better way than to plan a dinner party. One very excited group member was Sonjia who also has a love for food and entertaining. She also has a beautiful new kitchen that really need to be broken in! With her as my wing man I got to work planning the menu.
Zach and his sous chefs
Napkin folding class in the dining room!
In Ohio this time of year the temperature has really started to drop and I new I wanted something comforting, something creamy, something my friends may not make at home very often…I knew I wanted to make risotto before I decided on anything else on my menu. The danger there is once you set your heart on something it is hard to shake. I knew I could make a good risotto, but then I thought about the hosting and entertaining aspects of a dinner party. Risotto as many of you know is not really difficult, but it does require attention. Constant attention. How can I host and entertain and enjoy myself while working this dish to perfection? This was where Patti and the Anatomy of a Dinner Party comes in. While looking online at different ideas for risotto I came across this wonderful gal and her very entertaining and informative blog. I posted a note with my query, to risotto or not to risotto? She flew into action by email with many great suggestions. In the end it was up to me and I decided I had to go with my heart. I was going to make that risotto and it was going to be the best darn risotto any of my friends had ever eaten!
Our menu for the evening started with shrimp prepped two ways and broiled, then served with a garlic sauce. We followed with an arugula and smoked mozzarella salad with lemon vinaigrette. For the main course we were having cabernet braised beef served over a wild mushroom risotto and topped with a fresh herb gremolata. Everyone attending was responsible for bringing a dessert to share. My love for cooking is matched by my wife Courtney’s love for baking and she made french bread from scratch to serve with dinner.
The one thing I learned in cooking for this many people is you can’t plan too much. The best advice I took was preparing as much food ahead as I could. The beef lent itself well to this plan and I braised the beef for two hours the night before then chilled it overnight. It required only reheat in the oven the next day and sauce prep prior to service. All the shrimp and salad was done by Courtney, Sonjia and I the afternoon leading up to the party. Things were going well, almost too well. Then I realized how close it was to showtime! We had to get the shrimp under the broiler, but not too soon. While they were under the broiler I had already begun sautéing my onion for the risotto. As we were pulling blazing hot pans of shrimp out and preparing the platter for appetizers I was trying to be faithful to my risotto. If I neglected her, she would surely betray me. People are walking in and greeting us as I leave the stirring of my pot to draw another pan of shrimp from the broiler, only to realize I don’t have the best grip and I feel my fingers burning. Of course things are going great until my friends walk in. The pan slips from my hand and slides across the island and came to rest next to the platter. Courtney looks to me with concern, but I am already back to my pot, stirring diligently and adding more stock.
The kitchen is now alive with talking and laughter and eating, and the pain in my finger is residing as the risotto comes to that creamy point where you know you are half way there. We moved everyone into the dining room and served the salads. I was so confident in the risotto at this point I lowered the heat a bit and ate the salad with my friends while leaving to stir only for a few brief moments. The salad was great and was receiving high praise from our company, but it was time for the main event. Sonjia and I plated each dish of risotto topped with three to four juicy chunks of beef then covered it with a spoonful of the rich cabernet sauce. The final touch was the herb gremolata. I almost skipped this step. I had read about it on another website. Why was it needed? I had read that after cooking meats for long periods of time in such a dark rich sauce, it would add a fresh note right at the end of each bite. I followed the suggestion and was rewarded. It turned out better than I had imagined.
The table went nearly silent for several small moments as my friends enjoyed their meal. As all hosts know, this is the best part. All the love and efoort you put in is now transferred to your loved ones. It was at this moment I remembered why I wanted to have this dinner party. I sat back, breathed deep, and saw pleasant smiles of comfort on each face. I noticed there was no crying of babies and no “Mommy can I…” or “Daddy I want…”, there was just a very simple happiness. A happiness that comes when two of our most basic human needs are met, the need to be fed and the need to be loved. It’s not magic. It’s hospitality. That is what Patti believes in, and I am now a witness to what well planned and fairly well executed hospitality can do. Thanks for the outlet Patti, I am already imagining my next party and pray the very best for you and your guests!
Thanks, Zach! I loved reading about your dinner party and I loved the photos of you and your friends having fun.
Anyone else like to have their party on Anatomy of a Dinner Party? I would love to feature your ideas and photos, so send them on in!
xoxo, Patti
Today blogging to the Oliver! Soundtrack – Consider Yourself
If you are like me, you like to peruse the internet for party ideas. I was popping around and found these fun snacks just in time for your weekend Spooktacular! We will be attending the posh Halloween bash at the loft of our friends, Carrie & Steven. The weather should be cool, so my fairly hefty costume should pose no problems.
Need some ideas for your party? Look what I found for you!
Halloween is almost here and even more fun than the candy, are the spooktastic drinks you can conjure up. Our old friend Lindsay sent us this from way up in New York City. And in honor of our dear friends Calvin and Steve, who are hosting the hot undead crew of the Vampire Diaries as they film in their downtown loft, I thought this drink was quite appropriate.
Take it away, Lindsay!
This Halloween leave a lasting mark on guests with a chic fang-tastic cocktail! Inspired by the recent vampire craze, renowned New York City Mixologist Jonathan Pogash channels the flavors and trends of the season combining festive ingredients and the alluring flavors of Corzo Tequila to elevate the entertaining experience.
Entice guests with the thrilling flavors in the Corzo Bite, a vampire inspired blood orange cocktail. Highlights include:
· Festive Colorings: Reminiscent of the crimson shades of blood
· “Bloody” Ingredients: A bloody illusion is created with ripe blood oranges and home-made red grenadine
· Bite Garnish: The strawberry syrup garnish on the glass creates and tasty vampire bite effect
CORZO Bite
1 1/2 parts Corzo Silver Tequila
1/2 parts Campari
1 part fresh blood orange juice
1/4 parts blood (aka home-made grenadine) **
2 parts Jarritos Tamarindo Soda
Process: Build all ingredients into a highball glass filled with ice. Add the “blood” at the end.
Garnish: blood orange wheel and strawberry syrup
** Home-made grenadine: Add equal parts white sugar and POM pomegranate juice together and dissolve sugar over high on stove-top. When dissolved, add several drops of orange flower water, simmer on low heat for 10 mins., chill, and serve.
** If blood oranges are not available, use a slice of regular orange that is soaking in “blood” as a garnish.
Corzo Tequila’s unique double aging, triple distillation process creates an unparalleled taste and smoothness in this cocktail.
Thanks, Lindsay!
Tomorrow we will be mixing up some trouble with absinthe (just for you, Chioke!), so stay tuned.
xoxo, Patti
Today blogging to Warren Zevon – Werewolves of London
Halloween is upon us. Have your purchased the candy, eaten it all and then replaced it? I need to replace all the Tootsie Rolls I gobbled up. (sorry kids…)
Anyhoo, we are off to a party on Saturday night and will post more on our costumes as the time draws nigh. Over at Better Homes and Gardens, they are dispensing fab advice on easy last minute costumes. Let me know your ideas!
Fast and fabulous costume ideas that you can pull together in no time
By Kristin Finello
Just got word of an impromptu Halloween bash and need a costume for tonight? No problem. Here are seven fast and fabulous ideas that you can pull together in no time. The best part: You probably already own most of the items you’ll need.
1. The Ultimate Tourist
Don’t be surprised if people ask, “You’re not from around here, are you?” Men and women can both pull off the look of the stereotypical tourist. Just dress badly, hang a few cameras around your neck for good luck, and wander around looking confused.
What You Probably Already Have: Knee-length shorts, a shirt (logo T-shirts with the name of a city or tourist attraction, or loud tropical-inspired shirts are best), a baseball cap or straw hat, knee socks, sneakers, and sunglasses. Wear your camera around your neck and carry a large shoulder bag or backpack.
What You Might Need to Get: A fanny pack to strap around your waist, and assorted maps and guidebooks to hold or carry in your bag or backpack.
2. Miss America
Not only is this a great shortcut costume, but when else would you ever wear that old bridesmaid or prom dress again? Now’s your chance to whip it out and strut your stuff. Be sure to tell everyone that you hope for world peace. Bonus points if you actually have a talent for the talent competition.
What You Probably Already Have: An old formal dress from a prom, wedding, or other affair, and high-heeled shoes.
What You Might Need to Get: A glittery tiara (you can pick one up at a party store or accessory shop) and a pageant sash. Make your own sash by cutting fabric into a long strip and writing Miss America on it in glitter. Pick up an inexpensive fresh or fake bouquet to carry.
3. The Crocodile Hunter
Want to get back to nature? Go as the fearless Crocodile Hunter — sans the mud and life-and-death situations. You probably won’t encounter much wildlife in the urban or suburban jungle, but you just never know!
What You Probably Already Have: Khaki shorts and a khaki short-sleeved button-down shirt capture the look. Pull on a pair of brown socks and ankle boots.
What You Might Need to Get: Pick up some gauze and use it to bandage your hand where a croc just “bit” you. Also, drape a plastic snake or three around your neck, or carry a stuffed crocodile.
4. A Got Milk? Ad
Here’s the ultimate in easy costumes. Dress however you want, but make yourself into an instant pop culture icon by painting on the telltale milk mustache. Make a “Got Milk?” sign out of poster board and hang it around your neck.
What You Probably Already Have: Clothes — you can wear any outfit you’d like.
What You Might Need to Get: White face paint to draw a milk mustache above your top lip, and poster board and yarn for your sign.
5. Aerobics Instructor
Get in touch with your athletic side by dressing as an aerobics instructor. Bonus: Burning a few extra calories as you show off your moves will help make up for all the Halloween candy you’re going to eat!
What You Probably Already Have: Sneakers, athletic socks, sweatpants or leggings, a T-shirt and/or a sports bra.
What You Might Need to Get: A sweatband or bandanna for around your forehead, and a blow-up or plastic set of dumbbells. Scout out a curly wig and you can go as fitness guru Richard Simmons (be sure to substitute striped nylon shorts and a sleeveless shirt for the outfit above).
6. Celebrity and Paparazzi
Here’s a great last-minute idea for two or more people: One of you dresses like the celebrity of your choice, all ready for the red carpet. And the others follow the celebrity around, snapping photos and yelling “Over here!” and “Look to the right!”
What You Probably Already Have: An old evening gown, high heels, and jewelry for the celeb (or a tuxedo or suit and shades if the celebrity is a man). For the paparazzi: Black pants, black shirts, and sneakers for chasing camera-shy stars.
What You Might Need to Get: Up the celeb’s glamour quotient by finding a fake fur coat or wrap at a thrift store or costume shop. If the photographers don’t want to use real cameras, they can buy prop cameras to shoot with.
7. Chef or Butcher
Celebrity chefs like Emeril Lagasse, Wolfgang Puck, and Rocco DiSpirito are hot right now, and you can get in on the trend this Halloween. Don’t worry if your culinary skills aren’t up to snuff — looking the part is all that matters!
What You Probably Already Have: Mimic a chef’s or butcher’s white uniform by wearing a white shirt or jacket, white pants, and a white apron. If you’re going as a chef, grab a dishtowel or two from your kitchen and tuck them into the waistband of your apron.
What You Might Need to Get: No butcher’s outfit is complete without a smear of fake blood across the apron. Also, pick up a large plastic knife, some plastic meat (from a kids’ kitchen set), and a paper hat. Chefs can buy a traditional chef’s hat at a costume or party store.
There you go! I love the “Got Milk” idea. You could pair it with your favorite celebrity outfit and double your fun.
Our friend Lindsay, from Midori, sent me this spooktacular recipe for a fun cocktail that not only tastes terrific, but is perfect for your gatherings on October 31st.
Pretzel Crisps. What? What exactly is a Pretzel Crisp? I had a chance to find out when the nice folks from Snack Factory sent three bags full to my door. Now, Snack Factory is the swell company that brought you Bagel Chips – remember those? The OMG, let-me-eat-the-whole-bag folks? Believe me when I tell you that Pretzel Crisps are even better. At our house they have been replacing potato chips as a crunchy side to sandwiches and late night munch attacks.
But, how could I use them for a party? Really, Patti? There a zillion ways to use these multi-flavored yummies. This past Sunday I served them as a pre-dinner nibble with the cream cheese/fig dip Wesley had made for the party that week. You know how chips always break? Not my new buddies the Pretzel Crisps. No siree, they held up. So why not top them with any ingredient you would normally top a bruschetta with? They would be divine topped with my favorite dilled chicken salad. You could use them in place of blini and slather them with sour cream and caviar.
And check out all the flavors! Eric and I tried the Plain, Sesame and Everything Crisps. I loved the Everything Crisps best (so did Curtis and Eric). But I checked the website and they have a Buffalo Wing flavor!! Isn’t that crazy? I love it. Get ready for some football y’all!
Original - Super Yummy
Sesame - Ultra Yummy
Garlic Parmesan - Over The Top Yummy
So go on out and grab a bag and try them. Let me know how you would top ’em. I am dying to hear your ideas!
xoxo, Patti
Today blogging to Ohio Express – Yummy Yummy Yummy
Don’t you just love wine? Me, too! I was so excited when my good pals Doug and Sharon Paul from Three Sisters Vineyards asked me if I would like to represent them at the city’s premiere wine event held at The Georgia Aquarium. If you read the blog with any regularity, you know I am a BIG fan of their wines and jumped at the opportunity to pour for them.
All dressed up in my favorite sweater dress (it is autumn, after all….) and cute brown slingback pumps, off I went to participate in this fab evening. I met with Doug and Sharon earlier in the week to make sure I knew all the particulars about the winery. I even memorized the wines used to blend their Fat Boy White and Fat Boy Red. Corkscrew in hand I was ready to meet a bundle of new friends!
But first, one of my favorites – Mr. John Walker, king of special events at the aquarium. I rung him up right before the throng arrived and we had a chance to quickly catch up.
