good day

Any day that begins and ends with champagne is a good day.

The sun was out, there was a Spanish guitar-playing guy on my subway this morning, I had a bottle of champagne with my brunch, the food came fast and hot, my seats to a show at the theatre were upgraded to the next section, there was no wait in the lineup at the cafe afterwards, we got a window seat, jazz played all afternoon, we ran amok in the neighbourhood candy store...

Then I came home to a sumptuous dinner of roast beef tenderloin with green beans, asparagus and salad, more champagne, then cheese and grapes. And more champagne.

It was a very good day.

If only life was like this all the time.

an evening with

Oh, Anthony. You make me a little ashamed of documenting my food bliss... But only a little.

I haven't always been that way -- documenting everything I eat. In fact, it seems mostly to be an affectation of travelling and only lately of the dinners I've been assembling for Mr. Man. It was not always this way. Really.

No, when I'm truly in the moment I don't stop to pull out the camera. No. No, no, no. But that's how you make your living, so I'm happy to hear you realize the hypocrisy of judging those of us that do.

I still love you.

I indulged in brains, tongue, marrow and other sweetbreads for you. And I'd do it again.

No reservations...

medium raw

Going to see God tonight... Anthony Bourdain.

I. Can. Hardly. Contain. Myself.

He's here flogging his new book, Medium Raw: A Bloody Valentine to the World of Food and the People Who Cook.

I've been watching and reading him for years and fear one of two things this evening, should I get the chance to actually speak with the man. I will either be dumbstruck or be stricken with a case of verbally diarrhea.

blah blah blah blah, blah BLAH blah...

Lord, help me.

Details soon

getting fresh

Last weekend, while wandering down the street, we happened upon a Live Green event. Among the displays was a booth for produce. Big and beautiful... Mmmm, me likey.

I love outdoor markets and while this was just a one-time weekend event, it was lovely to see tables packed with locally-grown peppers, carrots, peas, potatoes, onions and tomatoes in the middle of the street with city lights, crowded sidewalks and towering buildings around. Concrete vs. colour. Interesting juxtaposition.

My mouth waters just looking at these things. I forget where I am and want to start shopping for dinner. If there was seasoning around, I would have heard sizzling in my ears. And every time someone says this magic combination of words -- onions and garlic -- I can instantly smell and hear it. Every time.

Ah, the sights and sounds of love...