BACK FROM BREAK ... how have you been?

Here's a lovely way to ease back from Spring Break to daily routine:  A weekday breakfast on a charming city sidewalk.  Steaming mug of Earl Grey tea, fresh-squeezed orange juice, eggs sunny side up, crisp bacon.  Chartreuse leaves rustle overhead as your girlfriend fills you in on what's happened while you were away.


So, friends, tell me:  how have you been?


Tartine Breakfast (New York City) by Betsy Bart
Source URL: https://thesoap-box.blogspot.com/search/label/eat
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BEST BRUNCH in Brooklyn

For the second installment of our brunch series, I asked my cousin Mary Therese, amazing artist and native New Yorker, for favorite brunch spots in her borough of Brooklyn. When she's not collaborating on creating Broadway props, museum exhibits and movie backdrops with her partner in love and art, John of Jerard Studio, MT does mural and faux painting for many restaurants. She's also a great cook herself, so I knew she'd have wonderful suggestions for Style Maniac readers. Here's MT's top picks (along with some of her comments) for Best Brunch in Brooklyn:

Brooklyn Heights: Jack the Horse Tavern.
Carroll Gardens:  Lilla, new but really delicious; and Alma for both the food and great views of the city.  [Read the New York Times review of Alma here.]

Cobble Hill:  Bocca Lupo, my friend Jeff's place (No brunch at his new one, Strong Place on Court Street, but the best oysters in town, I swear).   
Park Slope: Stone Park Cafe [shown above].

Have a favorite brunch spot in Brooklyn or your home town? Add it in the comments below.  Next month:  Brunch at Home.Source URL: https://thesoap-box.blogspot.com/search/label/eat
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A LOVELY BRUNCH: Camparis on Crete

The first in a mini-series of warm and wonderful brunch places around the world.  This one's pure fantasy for me, as I've never had a Campari, never been to Crete and it is after all a Tuesday.  But I trust the Barefoot Contessa, and her Campari Orange Spritzer recipe, suitable for daytime; and the recommendations of the stylish Eleni from My Paradissi, who calls Crete home.  Imagine coffee on that terrace, followed by a leisurely all-day picnic on the shores of Triopetra Beach.  Or spend the day at Pagopoieion (Ice Factory) in Heraklion, where a brunch can easily extend to an afternoon and evening of food, music and mingling with friends.  Shall we all book a flight right now?

Have a favorite brunch spot you'd like to share?  Please email me (click on Contact in the sidebar).  Your selection and site link may appear in a future post.  Next month:  Best Brunch in Brooklyn.

Top photo from Barefoot Contessa Back to Basics.  Terrace photo, Marie Claire Maison;  Triopetra Beach photo courtesy Eleni, both via My Paradissi.Source URL: https://thesoap-box.blogspot.com/search/label/eat
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COCKTAIL SANDWICHES, ANYONE?

We've found the bag, the hat, the shoes and yet another sublime vintage dress ... now how about we go out for a cocktail sandwich?  Not a cocktail with a sandwich, but a cocktail that is a sandwich.  Or at least an alcoholic version of one.

When I first heard of Carnivorous Cocktails they did not appeal.  Images of Bloody Marys festooned with sausage and pickles danced in my head, and the salt overload made my eyes puffy just thinking about it.  But a recent podcast from The Splendid Table has me re-considering.  In the hands of a master mixologist, artisan ingredients carefully and creatively combined form a magical marriage.  Or so I hear.  Think I need to take a drive down to PX in Alexandria, VA to personally try Todd Thrasher's BLT Cocktail and then fly off to Nacional 27 in Chicago to taste Adam Seger's Iberico Ham with Cheese Swizzle.  Or at least find a version at one of  the swanky new speakeasies popping up in my town.  All in the name of research, dear stylish readers, all in the name of research.

Photo of PX by Matthew Worden via Washingtonian MagazineSource URL: https://thesoap-box.blogspot.com/search/label/eat
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FALLING CLOUDBERRIES

I'll admit it:  I often buy books for their covers, even cookbooks.  Having once designed books, I appreciate the challenge of capturing the personality of the text and writer in just the glance of an eye.  And I figure if that much care is put into design, the content and editing should hopefully show the same.  So, yes, the lush image and pretty pattern of Falling Cloudberries captivated me first.  And then I opened it to discover inside an entrancing mix of memory and mouth-watering food.  Tessa Kiros' exotic family tree twines in branches from Finland to Greece to Cyprus to South Africa to Italy, a path that perhaps very few of us know.  But at its core is the influence of her heritage--her parents and grandparents--on her cooking and recipes.  In much the same way my own family tree has influenced my thoughts on home ... fashion ... style ... love ... life.

She's also written one wicked good fried potato and artichoke recipe.

Falling Cloudberries: A World of Family Recipes by Tessa Kiros available in Style Maniac's Amazon Boutique (see sidebar or click link above).Source URL: https://thesoap-box.blogspot.com/search/label/eat
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WHAT TO EAT RIGHT NOW: Vanessa's Fried Cheese

Heavenly, gooey, crusty yumminess. I nearly drooled all over the computer screen when I came across this perfect fall treat from Vanessa Uttaro. Vanessa follows Style Maniac via Tumblr (the platform that hosts the website) and I'm so happy she does 'cause that led me to her amazing images of food, travel, vintage housewares and more. But mostly the food. Her recipe for this Fried Cheese couldn't be easier:

Olive oil
Queso fresco
Slice the cheese into squares or rectangles. Fry in olive oil, turning frequently once they begin to brown. Serve still-hot on crackers.
 Or, my version:  forget the crackers, and your burning fingertips, and pop directly in your mouth.

Photo & recipe courtesy Vanessa Uttaro / decorate, eat, repeat & the broke foodieSource URL: https://thesoap-box.blogspot.com/search/label/eat
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SIESTA KEY

THE BEACH:  Siesta Key, FL Oh, yes, the water sparkles aqua and seafoam on this island on Florida's West Coast.  But it's the dazzling white quartz, never-ever-gets-hot sand that completely captivates me.

THE BOOK: Travels With Alice by Calvin Trillin  Trillin's tales of travel, food and family have delighted me for decades.  Worth re-reading every summer.

THE LOOK:  The atmosphere of the entire Siesta Key Village rates a mention here.  Just love the laid-back vibe, beach stores and kitschy touches like a neon-signed outdoor laundry and friendly giant lobster.

LET'S {not} COOK:  When my parents, who live in nearby Sarasota, come to Siesta Key they head to Turtles for the Grouper sandwiches and views of the Intercoastal Waterway.  Now they'll also be frequenting the colorful new Pita Shack, just opened by their good friends.  And the last time I visited my dad couldn't resist heading to Big Olaf's after we saw a little boy pass by with a towering tie-dyed swirl of Superman Ice Cream.  We gave it a try and guess what that crazy concoction of colors tastes like?  Vanilla.

Top photo via BeachHunter.net  All other photos by Doreen Creede. Source URL: https://thesoap-box.blogspot.com/search/label/eat
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GUEST POST: Ms. Pink's Simple Summer Menu

So glad Ms. Pink left a comment on Style Maniac awhile back.  It led me to The Pink and Blue Blog and--swoon!--her gorgeous visuals instantly captivated me, particularly her mouth-watering food pics.  Hope you all enjoy this summer menu she created just for us. 


Hi there Style Maniacs! 
The lovely and talented Doreen gave me the great honor of guest blogging, and I couldn't be more excited! If you don't know me, my name is Ms. Pink and I write for the Pink and Blue Blog ... and if you DO know me, you're most likely aware I have a few minor {depending on who you ask} obsessions ... cupcakes, the bachelor {guilty pleasure tv in general}, brunch, fashion trend spotting, and creating fun dinner menus. Lately, I have been on a summer menu frenzy, so Doreen and I put our heads together and thought we'd feature a fun, simple menu sure to impress your friends and family while on your summer vacations. 
Bon appetit!

{Garlic-Mustard Glazed Skewers, Homemade Hummus, Strawberry Mojito, 
Chopped Tomato and Cucumber Salad, Summer Berry Pudding}
Source URL: https://thesoap-box.blogspot.com/search/label/eat
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GLAMOUR IN THE SAND

When it comes to entertaining at the beach casual simplicity rules.  Still, wouldn't it be fun if one balmy summer eve you surprised your friends with a glamorous dinner by the dunes like this?

Ralph Lauren Home image from Style Maniac's print archives.Source URL: https://thesoap-box.blogspot.com/search/label/eat
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OCEAN CITY

 


The fifth element in a great beach vacation: the people you share it with. Not all friends travel well together. Luckily, The Blogstresses* [who?? see end of post] get along just fine whether at city or shore, a delightful fact we discovered when Barbara Hammond suggested she, Lee Romano Sequeira and I hold our monthly gathering at her cheerful beach house in Ocean City.

THE BEACH:  Ocean City, NJ  Although on weekdays a peaceful calm reigns over the stretch of sand and sea at the end of Barb's block, the front porch is where she finds her bliss, whether painting, writing, refueling or socializing. I just love this poem she wrote about it.

THE BOOK: Barb chose Slow Love: How I Lost My Job, Put On My Pajamas and Found Happiness by Dominique Browning because "it resonates with me about how crazy our lives have to get before we slow down and really live.  And I love Dominique's blog, mostly for the visuals. She has the most beautiful blog--wish I could figure out how to emulate it!"

THE LOOK: Barbara Hammond's creative cottage is just what you'd expect from an artist, with handpainted murals and a happy kaleidoscope of colors. "For years my husband, kids and I moved all over the country," says Barb.  "But no matter where we lived, for two weeks every summer Ocean City was home. Now I'm living my dream by having my own house here."

For attire, former Jersey girl Lee suggested I head to B&B, a mini department store overflowing with sundresses, bathing suits, flip-flops and more.  (I did and snagged a cute little aqua sundress and crazy-big, leopard-lined Murval straw bag for a song.) 

LET'S COOK:  "How about my Lemon Pasta?" Barb responded when I asked what she'd cook at the beach.  " It's quick, easy and good hot, room temperature or cold."  (I couldn't wait for a beach trip.  Made it immediately and mmmm--delicious anywhere!)  Here's the recipe:

1 box of your fave pasta
2 lemons (or more if you're crazy for lemon)
1/3 cup good extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup finely grated parmesan cheese (or romano if you like)
Cook pasta per box directions. Meanwhile zest one lemon into a bowl then squeeze both lemons into same bowl.  Add olive oil.  Using a small whisk gradually add cheese and mix until cheese melts into the oil and becomes creamy. Toss pasta in this yummy mixture and enjoy!
Book image via www.slowlife.com. All other images courtesy Barbara Hammond.  To see more of Barb's work visit her Flickr page and blog, Zero to 60 & Beyond.

*Who are The Blogstresses?  Three Philly friends--myself, Style Maniac; Barb, Zero to 60 & Beyond; and Lee, Madnesss, Mom & Me--who support, inspire and assist each other in our blogging endeavors ... plus enjoy cocktails and a lot of laughter.  If you recently started a blog, biz or other new venture I highly recommend gathering a support group to share the sometimes bumpy, other times bubbly journey with you.Source URL: https://thesoap-box.blogspot.com/search/label/eat
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WESTHAMPTON BEACH

THE BEACH:  Westhampton Beach, NY  Many people think of The Hamptons as celebrity-centric and somewhat surreal.  But the Hamptons I know, thanks to my husband's family, is all about casual, low-key living:  Mornings spent on a deck overlooking a sliver of the bay, steaming coffee in hand and The New York Times at your feet.  Afternoons on the uncrowded beach just over the dunes, where the water gleams in ribbons of sapphire and jade.  Evening cocktails followed by a meal everyone helps assemble--something simple, uncomplicated and very very good.

THE BOOK:  Jaws by Peter Benchley  A visit to Westhampton cannot go by without a reminiscence of the year this classic tale literally swept the beach.

THE LOOK (fashion):  The cover-up is a bit of a fantasy given its price point, but the wide-brimmed, crushable/moldable white Scala hat and silver Cobian flipflops are two of my beach essentials.  THE LOOK (decor): Though the porch and dining room images above come from a stylist's imagination, they capture the relaxed, eclectic ambiance I associate with Long Island's East End ... and they'd fit perfectly inside one of the charming shingled fisherman's cottages that thankfully still survive.

LET'S COOK: Kitchen Express by Mark Bittman  Suggestions more than recipes, none longer than a paragraph, all that can be put on the table in 20 minutes or less, leaving lots of time to enjoy a spectacular sunset, animated conversation and the distant sound of crashing waves as dusk turns into night.

For more on Westhampton Beach & summer style join Style Maniac's Facebook Page and follow @thestylemaniac on Twitter.

Photos 1 & 6 of Westhampton Beach by Doreen Creede.  Jaws image via MoviePoster.com.  For details on THE LOOK (fashion) go here (thanks, Kelly, for your help finding the chic tunic and bikini).  Porch pic from La Plage collection, RalphLaurenHome.com.  Dining room  from archive issue of InStyle magazine.  Books available through Style Maniac's Amazon Boutique. Source URL: https://thesoap-box.blogspot.com/search/label/eat
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THE BEACH, THE BOOK, THE LOOK, LET's COOK

THIS MONTH JULY & AUGUST ON STYLE MANIAC: Beautiful beaches, ravishing reads, fashion fun, decor delights and easy entertaining.  Stop back every week for a new waterside destination and feel the cool ocean breezes sweep away this sweltering heat.

While you're here, check out the great summer book selections recommended by Style Maniac's smart and stylish readers.  Thanks Lee, Susan, Trish, Lou, Cassidy & Andrea for getting us started. (If you haven't added your pick yet click here.  For the full list go there.)  Enjoy!

Photo by Tony Cenicola via The New York Times.com
Source URL: https://thesoap-box.blogspot.com/search/label/eat
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I LIKE NEW YORK IN JUNE ... HOW ABOUT YOU?

UPTOWN: Central Park on a glorious spring day ... the dramatic view from the terrace after a concert at Lincoln Center ... Patricia Field's fun and glamorous Sex & The City 2 windows at Bergdorf Goodman ... the bar at Jean Georges Vongerichten's new mouth-watering and surprisingly affordable restaurant at The Mark Hotel.  DOWNTOWN: The style maniacal yellow doors at The Standard Hotel ... the sublime High Line and views of the Hudson River ... brunch at charming Cafe Gitane in the Meatpacking District.

Mark Bar photo by Julie Glassberg via The New York Times. Cafe Gitane photo by Katie Sokoler via The Gothamist.  All other photos by Doreen Creede.Source URL: https://thesoap-box.blogspot.com/search/label/eat
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FIESTA

Some Cinco de Mayo celebration inspiration.  Salud!  {To hear some of the tracks on my Creede Cantina playlist visit twt.fm/stylemaniac.  For my favorite Mexican cookbook click here. And to raise awareness of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill share this.}


Images 1, 3, 4 from InStyle Magazine.  Image 2 by Doreen Creede..  Image 5 by Doreen Creede/The Redecorators LLC.  Image 6  from Rachel Ashwell's Shabby Chic.  Source URL: https://thesoap-box.blogspot.com/search/label/eat
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CAFÉ SOCIETY: Houston, Littleton & Chicago

As promised at the beginning of the month, here are outdoor cafés recommended by Style Maniac correspondents across the country. Merci, mes amis, for the wonderful suggestions.  Can't wait to come visit and try them all!  And please, chic readers, share your favorite spot in the Comments section below.

In Houston architect and fabulous cook Karen Krauskopf, recommends The Grove (above) a clean, modern restaurant bordering a park downtown. "It's a very peaceful place--my escape for a cool glass of white wine.  Even when it's 100+ degrees and 90% humidity, this place set amongst the oak trees and skyscrapers cools me."  The Grove  1611 Lamar Street (Discovery Green Park), Houston TX


 
Karen also loves Backstreet Cafe (above): "This quintessential neighborhood spot is right around the corner from us.  Good food, nice wine list.  Intimate (it's a re-purposed house) and romantic, but also a great place to meet friends.  The courtyard offers a wonderful, almost private outdoor dining experience, especially at night.  Again under giant oak tree.  We do love our big trees here in the blistering heat of the south."  Backstreet Cafe  1103 South Shepherd Drive, Houston TX



Across the country, Andrea Sowitch recommends JaJa Bistro in Littleton, Colorado (just outside Denver) for its outdoor dining and authentic charm. "My class from Alliance Française has made it a tradition to celebrate Bastille Day at JaJa.  The owner Stephan Poullier hails from the South of France and grew up working in his family's restaurant in Provence. My favorites are the stuffed dates, moules frites and enjoying a kir on the patio." (By the way, JaJa is French slang for getting together for a drink with friends, something Andrea and I have been doing since bonding during our college semester abroad in Nice.)  JaJa Bistro 5641 South Nevada Street, Littleton CO
   
Trish Woodson writes a knitting blog ttwcreative, and although I don't knit a stitch, we have discovered so many common loves through our blogs, I just knew she'd have a great recommendation for a Chicago café.  And she did:

"We only get a few months of alfresco dining here in Chi-town, but we know how to make the most of it.  One of our best little spots is Anteprima, a regional Italian eatery focusing on fresh, local and organic food.  This particular spot is especially perfect for Style Maniac readers because it's mere blocks away from nationally-recognized (but still affordable!) interior design shops like George Lowell, Scout and Brimstone.  If you're in Chicago one nice day, pop on your can't-miss sundress and head to the Andersonville neighborhood for shopping and a wonderful dinner.  Don't be disturbed by the busy dining room, you called ahead and made a reservation for the secret garden hidden behind the restaurant, didn't you?  Sip a cocktail while sitting amidst the beautiful greenery and peruse a selection of starters--you can get 8 of them for $15.  While you decide between the risotto with peeky toe crab and crispy trout, sit back and enjoy the wonder that is Chicago in warm weather."  Anteprima, 5316 N. Clark Street, Chicago IL




PHOTOS 1 & 2 via The Grove Facebook Page, PHOTO 3 via Backstreet Cafe Facebook Page, LOGO via JaJa Bistro.com , PHOTO 4 via anteprimachicago.netSource URL: https://thesoap-box.blogspot.com/search/label/eat
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BURGER FRITES

Yes, the classic French bistro dish is Steak Frites.  But who can afford to eat that out these days?  At Union Trust Steakhouse in Philadelphia, steak options average 40 or 50 bucks--without the sides.  During weeknight Happy Hour in the dramatic and glowing upstairs bar, however, you can get a prime burger and perfect fries for $7.  Plus drink specials, $1 oysters, a dazzling view of the restored former bank with its soaring 65-foot purple medallion ceiling and impeccable service.

Similar Happy Hour specials can be found at high-end restaurants all over the country.  A good way to discover them is to check your local weekly newspapers (in print and online). And then sometimes you just have to ask:  Union Trust's happy hour specials were not advertised nor were they available at the main bar downstairs. (The "burger frites" special, though, can be ordered at lunchtime throughout the restaurant, located at 717 Chestnut Street).

For a truly comprehensive look at burgers options in Boston, Chicago, New York City, Philadelphia and San Francisco, check out The Burger Register  from New York Magazine's Grub Street blog.  Bon appetit.

Photo by Doreen Creede Source URL: https://thesoap-box.blogspot.com/search/label/eat
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BISTRO MAGIC

Every neighborhood deserves a perfect French bistro.  Lucky us, we have one just around the corner from our Queen Village home.  Bistrot La Minette has great food and polished yet personable service, of course; but it's the atmosphere that really seduces me. There's no theme park gimmicks, just genuine care and flair.  And, oh, those red velvet banquettes! They make any night sizzle.  Bistrot La Minette, 623 South 6th Street, Philadelphia PA

Image via www.bistrotlaminette.com
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WE'LL WILE AWAY THE DAY AT AN OUTDOOR CAFÉ

 In January I asked some stylish friends to share their warm and cozy cocktail spots.  This month, with balmy weather teasing us and Paris on our mind, we'll be exploring chic spots across the country at which to wile away a sunny afternoon or spend a sultry evening.  First up, my favorite Philadelphia spot.  Check back for fantastic finds in Denver, Houston, Chicago and more.

Rouge's luscious wines, crisp cocktails, stellar people-watching, intimate curtain-swathed interior (designed to look like a French hotel lobby from the 1920s), views of verdant Rittenhouse Square--and of course the coveted sidewalk tables--combine to make it a spot where something always sparks.  Whether it's conversation with a crowd, a romantic evening for two or an unexpected just-a-drink-turned-into-night out with the girls (oh yes, I've had all of those!) Rouge makes you feel a bit like a star in your very own French film.

Rouge, 205 S. 18th Street Philadelphia PA

Photo by J. Smith for GPTMC via gophilly.com.   Source URL: https://thesoap-box.blogspot.com/search/label/eat
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A VERY PHILLY CHRISTMAS

 


FAVORITE Laughter, food and music--definitely three of my favorite things.
Find out more (and post your own holiday photos and favorites) on Style Maniac's Facebook Page. 

Photo by Doreen CreedeSource URL: https://thesoap-box.blogspot.com/search/label/eat
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