Monday, April 4, 2022

What's Up Doc? Celebrate International Carrot Day with Vibrant Recipes, A Beloved Cartoon Legend & Happy Horticulture

 

I know, I know. There is a marked day for everything. Everything. But as a card-carrying fan of the sexy carrot, I couldn’t pass on this party.


“Digging” into this a wee bit (!) I learned that the April 4th celebration of my favorite vegetable was launched in 2003 as The International Carrot Day and is “the pinnacle for carrot lovers all around the world. It is the day when the carrot is celebrated through carrot parties and other carrot related festivities.” Who knew?!


I wondered, is this yet another example of my British ancestor’s satirical poke at the “art of the carrot,” a leap down the proverbial “rabbit hole,” or is it an opportunity to explore the magic of the carrot? (Never mind pulling a rabbit out of the hat!)  Oh, the irony, the humor… And when did rabbits and carrots become a pair, anyway? 


Did you know there is a Carrot Museum, albeit a virtual one. Here you can learn the history of the humble wild carrot - we’ve been crunching carrots since prehistoric times and the garden carrots since the Middle Ages. So much horticulture, folklore, nutrition and folly about my beloved vegetable. No less than Pliny the Elder suggested the carrot seed made a fine love potion… 

Wednesday, March 30, 2022

Women's History Month Honors Macchu Pisco CEO: Melanie Asher's Meditation on Her Mindful Distillation & Career ~ Interview with Ladies Who Lunch Conversations



Melanie da Trindade-Asher

CEO, Founder, Master Distiller, Macchu Pisco, 

Featured Guest: Ladies Who Lunch Conversations 

 

In retrospect, it’s rather cosmic that I met Melanie Asher at a “Star Chefs” food event in Brooklyn. There, I met a true “star” of the burgeoning cocktail culture,  who was in fact, a pioneer leading the way. I was writing for the Examiner then, covering the radical food and drink world in New York City. It was an exciting time. So many new possibilities. And opportunities…Then, as now, Melanie triumphs. Hence, I was over the moon that she agreed to be a special guest on my Ladies Who Lunch Conversations, to share her career journey (so far) and meditations on life.  Just in time for Women’s History Month, I honor Melanie and highlight her special contributions to our world. And I offer a delightful Pisco cocktail recipe to enjoy while you read ~ and watch the Conversation!

 

Saturday, March 26, 2022

I'm Tasting Stars! Champagne Cocktail Recipes for A Glamorous Oscar Party

 Image result for oscar winning stars drinking photos

Say what you want about the Oscars but I think we need this bit of red carpet glam, fashion, and entertainment now more than ever. 

The 94th annual Academy Awards is a frothy escape that you can enjoy at home. So whether you’ll be hosting a party or snuggling solo, you’ll just need your bingo card/Oscar Form Guide (a la Ascot or Santa Anita) and a food and drink menu. I've got your award-winning drink recipes.

After all, the televised festivities kick off at early afternoon for pre-shows; 8 EDT for the Oscar. (check local listings/streaming options). You can spend most of your day – and night, with Oscar! 

Thursday, March 17, 2022

Inspired by the Emerald Isle: Eight Pretty Irish Flowers You Can Grow to Enjoy a Greener Garden Life


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While we most often celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a robust combination of food, drink, fashions, parades, along with singing and dancing traditions; as a garden designer and horticulturist, I thought it appropriate to mark the day with Irish Flowers. 

After all, Ireland is referred to as the Emerald Isle for good reason. With its rain and moist air and moderate temperatures, it’s a kind of Shangri La or plant utopia. So while I wouldn’t ever change up your affinity for such customs as drinking green beer while crooning “Danny Boy” or wearin’ the green to the local pub for corned beef and cabbage, I wanted to add a bit of garden magic to your Irish festivities. And who knows, maybe you’ll be dusted with some of a sprite’s fairy dust and be inspired to grow some of these Celtic classics.