what was, will be once more

On my husband's first family trip to Hawaii in 2005, we decided to soak up some sun on the Kohala Coastline. It was a spot I had only visited on day trips and we had such a wonderful stay that we found ourselves disappointed 2 years later when the hotel and golf course closed for $150M renovations after sustaining some damage in an earthquake. During our stay, it became clear that many of the other guests there are regulars who seem to know the longtime loyal staff. This resort holds a special place in our hearts, so I was thrilled to read that the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel just re-opened last weekend!

I also love the deep history of this hotel. Rewind to the 1960's, this lovely crescent shaped beach, sunny weather and picture perfect sunsets were the inspiration for Laurance S Rockefeller's foray in developing the Big Island coastline after the decline of the sugar cane industry. We stayed at another 1960's Rockefeller spot for our honeymoon (Little Dix Bay in Virgin Gorda, BVI) and Mr. Rockefeller certainly knows how to pick the best spots in town and put the concept of "experting" to work! The hotel's large pacific rim collection is beautifully displayed and easily accessible throughout the entire resort. For you architecture buffs, this is a 1966 SOM building. I've never quite felt the exterior met its task of "invisibility" in its natural surroundings , but once I experienced this property with the care-free days and relaxed curiosity of a hotel guest, I came to love the tiered open spaces and fascinating artwork around every corner.
















Another thing I love about this property is the Mauna Kea logo. The font manages to evoke the 1960's, it feels retro, but not dated. The orange flower is one of those instantly recognizable marks, no matter where you see it. Both are simply perfect for this hotel that finds the middleground of both old and new. I hope this quality remains after the renovation. I enjoyed this fall's advertising campaign to announce the re-opening. If you know this property, just a few japanese brushstrokes are all it takes to recognize this unforgettable landscape with Mauna Kea's summit rising above clouds.

sing with the king

Please step aside Martina McBride, now ANYone can sing alongside the King on a Blue Christmas. Grab a phone, record away and your rock-n-roll legend duet will be whisked off to a friend in a Christmas e-card! This site also allows you to preview tracks from the new album, Elvis Presley: Christmas Duets. I just adore how how the radio tuner crackles with static as you move between stations on the dial (it is a little strange getting nostalgic about the radio). Now my only problem: I'm not sure my singing voice should ever be recorded... http://www.singwiththeking.com/

bitters

After supreming 5 grapefruits this morning, I automatically reached up into the cabinet for the Angostura bitters. I find just a few drops makes a fine addition to the extra grapefruit juice. For some reason, I decided to actually 'read' the label and was surprised to learn the history of bitters. Their use as a digestif and their long history, starting in the mid-19th century (as far as two of the bottles were concerned).

We also have 2 additional bottles of orange bitters since we had a hard time finding them in the beginning. I believe Regan's is from Whole Foods and the Fee Brothers is from Pegu. They will sell you the bottles of orange bitters at the bar! We needed it to replicate their signature cocktail, the Pegu Club. The bitters impart that lovely pink tint in your champange coupe.

wabi sabi

Contemplating impermanence on a snowy day. Though this snow isn't melting as quickly as I'd like.

mmm....bacon bar

We recently stopped in Vosges Chocolate and scored Oaxaca Bar & a Mo's Bacon Bar. A chocolate bar that tastes like bacon sounds Homer Simpsonesque, but it does exist and it's an interesting flavor combination. Some friends gifted one to me at a cheese shop in Brooklyn ( Stinky Brooklyn ) last summer. The anticipation of the first bite doesn't quite prepare you for what's inside. Smoky, salty and chocolately goodness.

additions for 08

acquired: October 2008. Austin Texas
From Tesoros on South Congress. I think this purchase foreshadows my current desire to travel to Mexico. You may recognize the reflection in this mirror.

acquired: August 2008. Banff, Alberta
Ok, ok, we hardly spent any time in Banff during our trip, but we did see a few black bears and couldn't resist this memento from our wonderful holiday in the canadian rockies.

acquired November 2008. Austin Texas
I just love the stripes on this indian tiger from Tesoros on South Congress.
















acquired summer 2008. Nantucket, Massachusetts
This starfish was a gift from Jo and Pete. It's been hanging in our kitchen since it arrived in the mail. It reminds us of the warm summer days we've spent on the island.

morningside under cover

We live very close to the Long Island Sound and still got about 6" inches of snow on Friday afternoon/evening. When the snowflakes subsided we crunched around the neighborhood on the new white powder for a bit. We tried sticking to the waterfront on Morningside Drive, but as soon as we got to the bottom of the hill, the wind was whipping up something fierce. We promptly did an about face and were practically blown right back up the hill.

gin and butter diet

When heading to Pegu Club, we always make it our business to arrive right at opening time to secure a seat at the bar and watch our drinks being made. Most importantly, at this early hour, we can enjoy the quiet din before the crush pours in later in the evening. This time we noticed an oversized book behind the bar and the bartender let us take a look. It's titled the Gin and Butter Diet, How to Lose a Pound a Day for A Year. Distilled by Jane Trahey and Darren Pierce. It's a quick study filled with delightful illustrations and makes for perfect reading material as you sip your cocktail.

papatzul

On Saturday we went into the nyc early enough that we needed to grab a bite to eat in the afternoon. A quick consultation on our phones led us to some tasty Mexican food at Papatzul on 55 Grand Street. We arrived around 3pm and it was a very quiet time, only one other table of diners. I welcomed the break from the crowded streets of Soho. We only tried the shredded chicken flautas and chicken enchilada with almond mole, but wished we had more time and space in our stomachs to sample the menu. There is quite a tequila selection, so don't forget to try one out or have a margarita. We'll be back!

Smashing!

We took a quick jaunt into the City and had yet another successful session at Pegu Club Perfectly crafted old world cocktails are expected there so it takes something special to stand out. We found one that served with distinction and belongs on the "know how" list. Translation, I wanted to know how to make one. Our bartender gave us the recipe on the back of a Pegu business card.

Whiskey Smash

• 2 oz Rye Burbon. Old Foresters 100 proof Bourbon
• 3/4 oz simple Sugar
• 1/2 Lemon
• 2~3 Mint sprig

Muddle the lemon, mint, and simple syrup in the bottom of a mixing glass. Add bourbon, shake, and strain into an old-fashioned glass filled with cubed ice. Garnish with a sprig of mint, and serve

dinner at the farm

I caught up with an friend from college who has a wonderful blog, I Should Cocoa! dedicated to her adventures in all things food. Seeing her beautiful styled photos reminded me of a farm to table dinner we attended at White Gate Farm in Old Lyme Connecticut last August. Under a full moon and with all of summer's bounty before us, our meal benefited The Working Lands Alliance and featured locally sourced food & wine. One of the wines was a Gewurztraminer from Jonathan Edwards Winery, where we got married! It was a magical evening on this farm, crisp and bright with nary a mosquito or trouble in the world to bother us.

Long before I discovered this local event I've wanted to attend an Outstanding in the Field dinner, but the closest one always seems to be in New York City and I hardly want to head in to a bustling metropolis for a meal like this. Next summer I'm hoping to dine at much-lauded Still River Cafe way up in Eastford, CT.

More Dinner at the Farm photos on Flickr>

kickin' it in red

my favorite place to be is usually behind the camera, but the MOH's place is behind the train of the wedding dress, so these lovely shots are from Cly Creation in New York.

wedding design

I didn't do this much graphic design for my own wedding, but this past summer I was living and breathing red, gold and bamboo for Jo's programs, menus, placecards, shower invitation & favors.

just a bowl of cherries

there are so few pleasures that rival a champagne coupe full of cherries.