landscape update

In a previous post of our garden I asked that you ignore the mud because we were in the middle of a major landscaping renovation of our back yard. Over the past weekend we took some huge steps towards the completion of that project. There are a few things left for us to finish up but for the most part we are pretty satisfied with our progress this spring. Since its completion, I have not wanted to come inside. In fact, I don't know why I am still sitting here typing this...I am going outside.

camera fun

It has been a very long time since I have just enjoyed my camera. It is easy to get caught up in trying to take 'good' photographs and forget how to just have fun with it. So, last night I decided to step outside and take some long exposure shots of me...and a flashlight. I was just goofing around, trying to write stuff in the air. Anyway, it was fun and I am sure if my neighbors peaked out their windows it was real entertaining to watch. 

raised bed garden

Our Sunday afternoon was spent with our hands in the dirt. This is our first attempt at a vegetable garden. We have some heirloom tomatoes, peppers, carrots, squash, lettuce, and herbs that hopefully will keep us from spending half our income in the produce section of hen house. I think we will be able to handle the standard care of the garden, its the bunnies and of course the hux man that make me nervous. Anyway, wish us luck. I will take progress photos through out this process that, if all goes well, will end with a dinner plate.

p.s. 

Please ignore the mud and weeds around the raised bed. The landscaping project is in full swing right now, although the end is in sight. I will post photos of the finished back yard in the following weeks. 

(herbs: cilantro, basil, & french thyme)

(future carrots)

the tulip table

A want or a need?

I think it is a little of both.

espresso in manhattan, ny

juan valdez cafe.

zibetto espresso bar.

macchiato espresso bar.

ninth street espresso bar.

Ninth Street Espresso was good, no check that, it was damn good. unfortunately the others were not, juan valdez gets the award for the worst espresso tasted in nyc. here was my cup at Ninth Street:

something has to change

when I first started this blog, I had the grand idea of blogging about all the fantastic restaurants I would try. I would cook amazing meals multiple times of week and then photograph them and write about the experience. Well, as you can see by the dates on my posts that I have been fairly unsuccessful in my venture. That said, I have decided that I will just start posting any and everything that finds its way into my  mind. I would still like to focus on food, coffee and design but perhaps start adding aspects of photography and art to the mix. I don't know, maybe this is a last grasping effort to keep this blog from falling by the wayside (as if it already hasn't) or maybe it will be the beginning of something beautiful. We shall see. Check back soon, hopefully you will find something interesting.  

Top Chef??

WTF, sorry for the harsh letters...but seriously WTF!! 

Ok, I catch a lot of flack from some of my friends for being such a fan of Top Chef but I can't help it, I love it. However, I have to say that I am feeling a bit cheated here. I am feeling like perhaps the show is attempting to gain ratings and keep drama on screen as apposed to letting the best chefs shine. Last night Leah was allowed to stay on the show and Jamie had to 'pack her knives'...what a crock. Leah gave up on the quick fire challenge. Not to mention, was anyone else blown away when she beat out Fabio with those mangled-ass sardines. Fabio's were flawless and hers looked like she let a left handed chimp do the knife work (no offense to left handed chimps). 

Jamie was asked to leave because her celery was over salted and allowed to over reduce. I still am having a hard time to find the words to vent my frustration. I would have been irate if I was Jamie. The judges even said while they were tasting Jamie's dish that the fish was prepared perfectly...over salted celery....they are kicking her off for over salted celery...Please. Leah should have hit the road long ago. I guess we will see if these judges can redeem themselves next week.