POM Wonderful contacted me recently to let me know I was one of 100 folks chosen to throw a dinner party with them. A bundle of goodie bags and two cases of pomegranates landed at my door not too long after.
48 pomegranates. Big, red and heavy with seeds. How would I possibly store them all? Google came to my rescue and informed me they would stay fresh in a cool pantry for a month. Excellent.
I love the pomegranate and I love the story of Persephone, Queen of the Underworld, who, as she thought she was leaving behind her husband, Hades, forever, was tricked into eating several pomegranate seeds. You see, anyone who eats or drinks anything in the Underworld is doomed to spend eternity there. As Persephone only nibbled a few pomegranate seeds, she was sentenced to return to the Underworld every Winter, thus creating the seasons.
The Return of Persephone
If Persephone were in my home, you know I would have fed her so much more than a few seeds. Let me tell you how the menu would play out, like it did in our home last week. Click Here To See the Menu
Yesterday we talked about running away to Palm Beach for Thanksgiving. Today, let me tell you what my special buddy Chef Matt Murphy and our dear friend Char Thian have planned for you in New Orleans.
The gorgeous lobby. Say hi to Concierge Rudy for me!
Your children will be thrilled. You can sip bubbly and they can pet a goat in the glamorous courtyard. Afterwards, savor gourmet specialties handcrafted by Chef Matt, Chef Bradley and Chef Johnny. Save room, because Chef Thomas is creating some amazing delicious desserts that you just cannot refuse. These guys are the best at what they do. When you are finished with your meal, take a walk down to the river to work off some of those calories, because at dinner you can return for more!
Chef Matt and me, during his Atlanta visit.
At 6 p.m., let M Bistro treat you to a five course meal executed in perfect style by Chef Matt. You won’t even have to leave to work off that extra piece of pie. Jeremy Davenport is in the house for your dancing and listening pleasure. If you book soon enough, you might be able to snag one of the plush cheater’s booths for you and your loved ones. I am not kidding when I say that my meal this past summer in the hands of Chef Matt was one of the very best of my life. He and his staff are incredible and you will be wowed, without a doubt. Pinky swear.
Done dining and dancing? Just stroll out to the lobby, push the elevator button and retire to your oh-so-comfy room for the night.
Mmmmm, just thinking of the meals at M Bistro makes me want to jump in the car and drive the 6 hours it takes from Atlanta, just to eat their cooking.
Go. Don’t hesitate. Make your reservations now.
(504) 670-2828 or no_restaurant.reservations@ritzcarlton.com
xoxo, Patti
Today blogging to Harry Connick Jr. – Recipe for Love
Turkeys, stuffing, in-laws, barking dogs, housecleaning. Doesn’t it sound exhausting? Wouldn’t it be nice to wake up on the fourth Thursday, laze around in a cozy robe and slippers, watching the parade on television while someone brings you coffee and pastries on a silver tray?
No, this is not a fantasy. It’s The Ritz-Carlton, Darlings! And of course, they have thought of every way to make your Thanksgiving calm, relaxing and luxurious.
You could head south to Palm Beach and enjoy the ocean breeze and the Eau Spa before indulging in a fabulous meal. Eau..that spa! I can’t divulge too much because my article in Design Is will be coming out shortly, but you know I will tell all here after the issue is online. But I can tell you that the Eau Spa is like nothing else you have ever experienced. It is something from a dream. Our adorable friend, Christine DiRocco, PR Director for The Ritz-Carlton Palm Beach, tells me that you can dine in an oceanfront cabana. Are you kidding me? Book a flight, honey, we are on our way!
Here are the delicious details!
The Ritz-Carlton culinary team will present a traditional family style dinner from the surf and earth. The seasonal cuisine starts with Spinach and Arugula Salad with Port Poached Pear, Crumble Blue Cheese, Spiced Pecans with a Creamy Champagne Dressing, plus Autumn Apple Salad, Walnuts, Currants, Celery Leaves and Apple Cider Vinaigrette.
Bounty from the sea is an appetizer seafood cocktail of Chilled Gulf Shrimp and Oysters on Ice and Lobster Cognac Bisque with Chestnut Marshmallow.
The supper continues with Citrus-Brined Free Range Turkey, Bread Stuffing, Sage Turkey Gravy with Cranberry and Orange Chutney. Meyer Lemon Crusted Cod and Steamed Clams, complimented with Butternut Squash Puree and Wilted Spinach, hail from the shores of the northeast while the Wood Grilled Beef Tenderloin Medallions, Rum Glazed Sweet Potatoes, Cipollini Onion Relish and Beaujolais Sauce provide a hearty gourmand alternative. Additional trimmings to top the table are: Whipped Creamy Potatoes, Candied Yams, Glazed Carrots, Indian Corn, Haricot Verts and Baby Vegetables and warm Rosemary Scones, House Baked Rolls and Cornbread Muffins.
Decadence is carried forth with yummy desserts; Home-made Apple Pie, Country Pumpkin Pie, Croissant Bread Pudding, and Vanilla Rice Pudding are a few of the sweets to grace the table, in addition to seasonal plums, apples, berries and nuts as a nod to the first gathering.
Reservations are required for this special Thanksgiving Dinner and the dinner is available for parties of up to 4 – 8 people; first seating at 4 p.m. Pricing is $150 per adult and includes one bottle of Ritz-Carlton red or white wine. Children ages 12 and older are $50 and children under 12 are complimentary. All pricing is exclusive of tax and gratuity. Please call Dining Reservations at (561) 540-4924 for more information and to make reservations.
Well, yes, I would rather be at The Ritz-Carlton Palm Beach, thankyouverymuch.
Tomorrow I will tell you what’s cooking in New Orleans with our buddy Chef Matt. Heck, you have 4 days off. You could go to Palm Beach and New Orleans! You only live once – I think…
xoxo, Patti
Today blogging to Turkey In The Straw (I think this might be from the first Thanksgiving…)
When I first received a press release from the lovely folks at Eco-logic about their new line of cookware, Beka, all I could think about was the first line from Sir Mix A Lot’s video, Baby Got Back….”Oh my Gawd, Becky…”. Now all I can think about is how I can get more of this green cookware. Nothing sticks to these pans. I have been frying eggs every morning for Eric and me, just so I can enjoy this cookware with the non-stick ceramic coating. Fried rice? No problem. Sticky reductions? Wipe it perfectly clean with a paper towel after you use it. Caramel sauce? Pffft…fuggedaboutit, you’re good. You don’t need extra butter to help with the non-stick, you don’t need anything except the food that goes into the pan.
Oh.My.Gawd, Becky, they have a whole line of pans!
I’m sure you would like to know the specifics here, so let’s see what our friend Jo, from DHA Lifestyle, has to say about my new best friend, the Beka cookware.
Traditional non-stick coatings are made with polytetraflourethylene or PTFE. When heated to over 400 degrees Fahrenheit pans coated with this material can give off-gas releasing over a dozen potentially harmful materials. But even more hazardous is the artificial acid PFOA, also known as C8, used in the manufacturing process. Known to cause birth defects in animals, workers and surrounding communities may be exposed to dangerous levels of this carcinogen in the production of PTFE.
To prevent this hazard Beka created a super tough ceramic coating called Bekadura. This non-stick surface makes cooking and cleaning a snap without any of the environmental concerns presented by other materials. The bond between Bekadura and Eco-logic’s super hard aluminum is so strong that the company guarantees the surface for three years.
All I know is that it’s good for the environment and not one thing sticks to it. I may never use another pan except this again.
This is making the gift guide list 2010. Um, Jo, if you were wondering what this blogger might love for Christmas….
Last night was a dinner for 12 sponsored by POM Wonderful but given by me at our house. With a bundle of courses.
This morning I am staring at a kitchen full of dirty dishes.
Thus, my very belated Halloween post. And since a picture says a thousand words, here are several thousand words for you.
My costume was the Tooth Fairy, with my precious husband crafting my fleece tooth crown all himself. He is incredible. He went as a Juggalo. Google it for fun.
Our party hosts were the always charming Steve and Carrie Burns at their killer loft in Castleberry, overlooking the Georgia Dome. I especially loved the cockroach cupcakes. Brilliant.
Eric is the best at everything. Loved my softie crown.
Good Morning Darlings! Okay, so belicious isn’t a word, but I liked how it sounded with the other words. Sunday night our besties John and Danny whipped up the most fabulous meal for a belated celebration for my sweetheart, Eric. You know we never need a reason to party. What’s that you say? It’s Tuesday? Pop open the bubbly!
Poor Eric has been on crutches this past week due to a bad ankle, so he gave Danny a lesson on balancing on crutches when we arrived. Hilarity ensues.
Danny had never used crutches before. It's kind of a balancing act.
I love a fun night out with the girls. It has kind of taken me a long time to come around to this idea. Eric and I are just crazy for each other, but even oh-so-in-love couples need guys and girls time with their buddies.
Adorable Tami Reed of Talking With Tami recently invited me to a Girls’ Night Out sponsored by O.P.I. nail polish – you know them – with their scads of colors and adorable color names (“I’m Not A Waitress” comes to mind), well, I knew I could not say no. Plus it was held at Pampered Nail and Body Spa (341 Nelson Street Southwest Atlanta, GA 30313; 404-521-2873), just minutes from my house. Really, this event was calling my name.
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.
Our second day at The Ritz Carlton Amelia Island found John and me at the Chef’s Tasting at Salt, their signature restaurant. And what a tasting it was. We were bowled over.
