Last night, Eric and I had the most fun with our friend, Chef Matt Murphy of The Ritz-Carlton New Orleans. Chef was in town on business and arrived a bit early so he could spend some time with us.
We wanted to make sure he had the best time, so I came up with this itinerary (you know how I love a list).
7:30 Meet at Rathbun’s for drinks and apps
8:45 Dinner at Iberian Pig
After dinner – drinks at Mac Magee’s Irish pub
How was it, you ask? Oh, we had a mighty fine time.
As promised, here is the behind the scenes story to supplement my article in this month’s Design Is Magazine in my column, Living The Ritz Life. A magazine only allows so many words, but on my blog, I can blather on forever. So, if you want to hear the whole story about our stay at The Lodge, here you go.
Imagine a place where all your cares melt away at the door. A place where the phrase “my pleasure” actually means “my pleasure.” Imagine a place that is a retreat for the soul as well as the body.
A short one and a half hour drive from downtown Atlanta takes you to such a retreat. The Ritz-Carlton Lodge at Reynolds Plantation is close to the big city, but a world away.
The Ritz-Carlton Lodge at Reynolds Plantation
Arriving on a sultry Friday evening, this lodge of the well-heeled looms into view only after turning off the beaten path of Interstate 20. At the front door, friendly valets dressed in ivy caps, knickerbockers and argyle socks, ala golfer Payne Stewart, greeted us. Check-in was seamless and the weekend was now underway.
As we entered the club-level guest room, a roughhewn box on the hallway table caught my eye. Inside the box were graham crackers, Hershey bars and marshmallows, all the fixings for s’mores at the complimentary evening campfire. There were also notes welcoming my husband & me along with a jar of delicious spiced pecans (with the recipe attached). The king-sized bed was dressed with crisp white linens and the softest down pillows. Two wooden chairs and a table on our balcony ensured a view of the lush greenery.
What a wonderful weekend we had! Friday night we had dinner at Shaun’s (more on that tomorrow), slept in on Saturday and went to have our passport renewal photos taken (lots of trips coming up!) and Sunday saw me at two events, which is unusual for me, but they were both so packed with fashion and fab folks that I couldn’t pass them up.
One of those parties was at the home of my fun friend Elizabeth. Our friend, style-maker Victor was there to give tips on what to do with those fashion pieces in our closets that stumped us.
But first, a tour of Elizabeth’s adorable cottage. It is so her – fun and sweet and whimsical. I loved it!
It’s still pretty warm here in Atlanta, but in the early morning, I can feel a bit of Autumn trying to peek out.
Which convinces me that Fall is just around the corner. Almost.
And Halloween. Halloween is less than six weeks away. Halloween means candied apples. This year it means Amy’s Gourmet Apples. Look at these babies:
Photo Courtesy of Amy's Gourmet Apples
They are huge! And there are all types to choose from. Oh my goodness. I need them all. Well, maybe not need, but want. Definitely want.
Sure, you could make your own, but if you have no inclination for dealing with the mess of piping hot chocolate, this would be much easier.
Wouldn’t they make a swell hostess gift? Or a gift for that hard-to-buy-for boss? Or for yourself? Or for me! Yes, they would make a lovely gift for me.
And since they’re apples, that must mean they are healthy! You can get one of your daily fruits in for the day.
Rationalization is a wonderful thing.
Now, excuse me, I must go purchase some of those apples.
xoxo, Patti
Today blogging to Glen Campbell and Bobbi Gentry – Little Green Apples
As any fan of design shows would know, Top Design is the ultimate contest. You all know Eddie Ross, and of course you know Kerry Howard. Remember our fun dinner party here?
Well, this time, we were the lucky ones to be hosted by our dear Kerry. I swear, if you met him, you would just want to eat him up with a spoon. He is that sweet.
And there were new friends to meet! You know how I love that.
First off, I know you are dying to hear all about Kerry’s place – fab. fab.fab. Everything is gorgeous – from the old church-inspired mirrors to the original art on the walls. It truly is a showplace. And of course, that fine design aesthetic made its way to the dinner table. I loved the cushioned bench that off-set the dining chairs.
I have quite the treat for you today. My guest blogger is none other than my perfect husband, Eric! Take it away, Honey!
My honey, your blogger for the day!
Good morning, and hello, everyone. I’m lucky enough that I get to eat what you read about here – or most of it, anyway. Patti is a wonderful cook and a joy to cook with, but I also like to cook for her. When it comes to what to cook, I like to keep my recipes simple, tasty, and if I may admit, pretty big — well, not too big. Good-sized. On weekends I love to cook breakfast, and every lady loves breakfast in bed, which is a lovely start to Valentine’s Day.
Surprise your favorite this Sunday with an easy and yummy breakfast of an omelette , hash browns, english muffin, and juice. It goes together quick and sticks to your ribs till dinner. All the info is below the fold.
