a Wardian case...

An assortment of ferns are the most recent additions to the Wardian case.

The Irish Country House

I recently  viewed The Irish Country House, courtesy of Netflix.  Anjelica Huston, who grew up in an Irish country home, beautifully narrates the documentary which features many manors, castles, mansions and  historic homes and their coexisting parkland across Ireland.  Worth a watch.

Sarah's Key

I have just  completed reading Sarah's Key, a story of a young Jewish girl  living in Paris, France and the woman who discovers her fateful story long afterwards.  The movie format has recently been released. Worth a read, for sure.

Frick and RL

Last Saturday was spent wandering around NYC. A first time visit to the Frick Collection was a joy. Gorgeous architecture, collections by the Master painters of the world and an excellent movie which details the background of Mr. Henry Clay Frick and his desire to collect make this a great stop-off while in NYC.  Particular favorites were St. Thomas More (especially after finishing up the Tudors series recently) and Gilbert Stuart's depiction of George Washington. Unfortunately, no photography is permitted inside, so I have no pics to share.

Just around the corner would be the Ralph Lauren flagship store located in the Rhinelander Mansion and is a must.  This visit brings an even more lovely restoration, this time with lots of elegance. The fourth floor had just opened and professional photographers were busy working so I snapped only in the massive stairwell.  Even the comfort rooms in the basement are lovely.  Worth a visit.

Addendum: For more on the Rhinelander Estate and RL, have a look at this month's Veranda magazine

NYC: Morimoto

 Dinner at Morimoto offers selections from the original Iron Chef and is quite entertaining as well.

Sake sampling

Italianano take homes...

Some goodies in the basket for me: assorted pastas including orzo, tomato puree for sauces or soup, an Eataly tee shirt for excersizing, Italian tea!

Italy is Eataly

This past weekend, the Colonel and I joined the Bermudian contingency in New York for a visit. Weather was fabulous: cool and clear with a just a few flurries to make the winter known.  By far, the best site was Mario Batali’s Eataly in the Flatiron district.  A pleasurable combination of IKEA and Dean  & Deluca, it is an Italian foodie’s paradise.  Worth a visit, for sure.

 

 Baskets of fresh vegetables are offered as they would be in the outdoor European markets.

 Jars of assorted pestos and roasted peppers.

 More pasta selections than anywhere else, for sure.

Freshly baked breads

 Sweets

 Italian  teas



Bouncing up a previous posting...

For a  return to a post in February 2009: Valentines collected by my Grandmother long ago.