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I am ready.
I am ready for it to stop raining. I am ready for sundresses and flip-flops.
I am ready to fall in love.
I am ready to change my hair color.
I am ready to create.
I am ready to let go.
I am ready to move on.
I am ready to forgive, but not forget.
I am ready to manifest change on a higher level and help the people around me to do the same.
I am ready to bake. And cook. And make homemade mozzarella.
I am ready for the rest of my life to get started.
I am ready to change my bedspread.
I am ready to say goodbye to my insecurities.
I am ready to accept help.
I am ready to clean out my closets, material and intangible.
I am ready to make a difference.
I am ready to dance.
I am ready.
“It just goes to show you that you don’t really know how impactful you are on someone’s life. It’s really important to be the best person you can be because you don’t know what kind of an impact your actions are having on the other person. ” ~ Thea Linscott on July 1, 2009
Attending the first ever Ramp Fest in Hudson, NY was a moment of clarity in being a “foodie.” It was an amazing compilation of food, friends, music, drinks and RAMPS. For those who need a lil background on ramps, please check out this, this and this.
The most amazing ramp focaccia served with ramp butter from the not yet opened Cafe Le Perche in Hudson, NY. Meeting the executive chef Lisa Brickman was an awesome experience and her enthusiasm for the new bakery and restaurant was infectious. I can not wait to go visit Lisa and her team in June at their boulangerie, bar and patisserie
Fatty ‘Cue in New York City brought one of my most favorite things to the table. Sidebar: one of my favorite cocktail scientists, Jason Littrell, first served me a pickleback while throwing drinks at The Randolph. Jason said, first drink this and then drink that. I did what I was told. And have never been the same. Seeing the two piles of shot glasses lined up, I had a hunch that the guys at Fatty ‘Cue were serving up a treat. Ramp infused pickle juice in the ‘this’ and Wild Turkey whiskey in the ‘that.’
The guys at Fatty ‘Cue / Fatty Crab also served a ramp curry goat dish that was pretty intense.
I think chicken sausage can only be made better by adding ramps.
The classic beggar’s purse tied with ramps, now you are speaking my language.
Dessert can go wrong when adding an onion based flavor, but hey, the guys at Da Ba did it right with ramp lime sorbet. The executive chef told me they serve a sorbet before the final cheese course. I heart cheese.
The steamed clam from great people at The Fat Radish in NYC was wrapped in ramps, peas and white wine. It was delish and wonderful and light. The presentation in the clam shell was perfect for a finger food.
Foodies! at the beautiful Basilica Hudson in Hudson, NY.
After leaving the Ramp Fest, all high on ramps, I went to Adam’s Fairacre Farms. Once of my most favorite markets to shop. And there for all $11.99 a pound, we my ramps (here soaking off the dirt). Let the ramp-ing begin.
“Imagination is the real and eternal world of which this vegetable universe is but a faint shadow.” ~ William Blake
Want to read how one Unrunner is cured of her traumatic lobster experience with a slice of my very own butterscotch cake with butterscotch filling, chocolate frosting and chocolate ganache decorations?
1. I recently made this cake for a dear friend. It was 6 layers, one for every rainbow color, and was adorned with a rainbow lotus flower and rainbows with clouds.
In the next couple of weeks I have some confections on my plate and since the kitchen is the ONLY place where my month-long stress eye twitch goes away, I’m all for spending some time there. I am gearing up for an ice cream cake for my brother-from-another-mother, baby boy cupcakes for my absolute best friend’s little sister, a dear friend’s wedding shower cupcakes, a birthday cake for my mother, a graduation cake for my nearest and dearest massage therapist and nurse grads and something extravagant for my little sister’s graduation from NYU. OMG. WTF. When did my little sister become legal to drink, get a job and rule the world. I must have blinked.
2. I am desperately awaiting the arrival of ramps.
Last year’s ramp selection, at $11.99 a pound, I used them wisely. Bacon ramp pizza, buttermilk ramp biscuits and ramp alfredo.
Perhaps what is more exciting than waiting for them to hit my local store is the 2011 Ramp Fest. The anticipation is unmanageable. Anyone else want to join me on the 30th from 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. I will be the girl in all my ramp glory. Smiling and taking pictures and undoubtedly getting inspired by some amazing chefs in the Hudson Valley.
3. The sun.
I know it is hiding out there somewhere and it teases me just enough to let me know it’s coming. The grey needs to go away. And the sun needs to stay longer than a day. I have faith, it will stick around eventually.
4. Over the next couple of months our lives have been and continue to be filled with music… “everyone deserves music, sweet music.” ~ Michael Franti
We recently checked out Rachel Yamagata at the Bearsville Theatre in Woodstock, the Wood Brothers at Club Helsinki in Hudson, Bob Marley Tribute at the Bearsville Theatre and Badfish at The Chance in Poughkeepsie.
And on our plates is Mountain Jam at Hunter Mountain, Mendelson Men Choir at the Old Dutch Church in Kingston, Shemekia Copeland at Club Helsinki, Festival for Humanity in Vernon, and the Dave Matthews Caravan in Atlantic City.
5. It’s hard to imagine BBQs and patio time when it is so grey out, but I am sure we will get there soon. Right?
Awake, thou wintry earth
Fling off thy sadness!
Fair vernal flowers, laugh forth
Your ancient gladness!
~ Thomas Blackburn from “An Easter Hymn”
This is when NYC wins. Every. Single. Time.
Pizza on 8th between 55th and 56th at 2:00 a.m.
Théa and Noel have been kookin’.
As a stellar foodie duo, we create healthful Sunday Night Dinners, holiday celebrations and food on-the-fly for our friends in the Hudson Valley. City Mouse – Thea – brings presentation, creativity and tradition and Country Mouse – Noel – brings style, expertise and vitality to the table every time. It is important that we utilize our resources responsibly to sustain local merchants, farmers and artisinal crafters.
Théa – The City Mouse
Day job: Online brand manager for an international handbag company
For fun: cooking, entertaining, writing, travel
Favorite food: Pizza
Sign: Aquarius
Nicknames: Thay, Theloniuos, Thyza Louise, Thalya
Favorite dish to make: cake (cupcake, cheesecake, ice cream cake, chocolate beet cake, etc.)
Most prized kitchen tool: Kitchenaid Stand Mixer
Why am I a foodie?
When my grandfather, known by all as Pipop, passed away two years ago we taught my Nana a valuable lesson in today’s lingo. We discussed, “We’re out,” “whatup,” and even “redic.” I think one of the only things that stuck that week was, “foodie.” Defined by many as one who enjoys, makes, creates, appreciates, loves and does food.
At some point that week, after many homemade dinners, and even more deli platters and desserts, I said, “Nana, we’re foodies.” All in agreement, my entire immediate family nodded as it made perfect sense to us. I couldn’t tell you when that actually happened though. It could be the hundreds of family dinners, the dozens of holidays, countless BBQs, endless Sunday brunches or the meal that happens when there are a group of people at my parents house and there is a sudden combustion of plates, garlic and hungry mouths.
Being a child of a foodie is a big responsibility. You have to entertain like your parents do. You have to cook with your heart and not just your head. You have to do it just like them, but still in your own style. You have to know how much pasta is for 2, 4, or even 12 people. And perhaps, most importantly, you always have to be able to get back to where it all started. That table where the foodies once ate altogether.
Now that I live two hours away from my parents, I make sure to give notice and let the head-foodie-in-charge know when I will be back, for how long and if I will be there for dinner. That answer is always “yes” and “what do you want for dinner?”
What I think of my relationship with Noel!
Everything happens for a reason. Noel and I ended up at the same table in Uptown Kingston about a year ago. We shared lamb sliders, blood sausage and chocolate cristinis, huge roasted asparagus and sangria. We talked food. And not just what do you do for a living / for fun food. Real food conversations. About the earth, traditions and technique. Not being classically trained myself, I learned a lot about Noel’s culinary experience and trade. And most importantly her love for life. It matched mine.
Common ground found, friendship began and then we entered the kitchen together. Game changer. Comfort meeting healthy, local meeting mass distribution, dessert meeting vegetables and most importantly, nutrients for the soul created provided and shared.
Noel is the brightness in a dull day, the reminder of the earth we are from and the laughter that makes me spit my wine out, give a ‘lil snort and hide behind my apron.
Noel – The Country Mouse
Day job: Personal chef, community activist and childcare provider
For fun: cook with friends, read, hang with kids, garden and enjoy music
Favorite food: All dark leafy greens
Sign: Sagittarius
Nicknames: Noey, Curly Pumklin, Queen of Kale
Favorite dish(es) to make: Sauteed Greens, turkey burgers, gourmet pizza, tarts, veggie burgers, fish cakes, roasted veggies and roasted lemon chicken
Most prized kitchen tool: Personalized knife from Japan and onion goggles
Why am I a foodie?
I consider myself a foodie for a number of reasons all of which revolve around my love for people. I like to work creatively in the kitchen to share with others, what I call, “premium fuel” for the body. A good quality life containing healthful varieties of foods able to sustain, nourish and enliven others is just so awesome. Growing up with grandparents who grew and cooked most of their own food and a father who was adamant about providing well balanced meals has had an everlasting impact on how I utilize and value food. I have surrounded myself with friends who are passionate and active about the quality, health, sustainability and education of our food system. The Hudson Valley is booming with hand crafted sustainable farm to table connoisseurs and entrepreneurs, myself aiming to be an active participant.
What I think of my relationship with Théa!
Well…where to begin? When I think of Théa I always think of good times with good people, food and music. There is never a dull moment with and life is always lived to the fullest, if she has anything to do with it. I love this about Thea and I love how infectious it is on my life. Since we met, I have found my life to be more full with friends who enthusiastically sharing their passions and goals. This is important to me, because I am one who wanders through life exploring the endless possibilities to embrace. It seems there is always a door of opportunity awaiting around the corner and having encouragement and excitement from Théa is priceless . I would have to say that I think my relationship with her has been a gift so special that I shall never forget. And I endlessly thank her.
1. I want to go to Cheese Louise on Route 28 in Kingston. Thanks to Hudson Valley Good Stuff, I came across a new CHEESE store. Cheese and store and new. All in one sentence.
2. I want to order photo note pads. For everyone. Thanks to Joanna at Cup of Jo, who recently posted about Pinhole Press, I will be ordering the ultimate list pad. I just have to decide on a picture. That’s the hard part.
3. I want to eat at 36 Main. My dear friend Derek is the bartender there and after tasting their amazing wine list and signature cocktails, I need to taste the menu. Chef Adam Steinberg creates interesting and dynamic dinner choices such as Bresaola, a Italian-cured beef, soft goat cheese dressing, baby Arugula and white truffle oil and Orecchietta Fontal, a house-made pasta, creamy Bechamel, wild mushrooms and broccoli raab. I’m coming Derek, I promise.
4. I want to drink a Hemingway Sidecar at Shadows on the Hudson in Poughkeepsie. Apparently the bar is known for the large televisions on the wall and some younger than desired clientele, but the fancy cocktail menu reminds me of my favorite hole-in-the-walls in the city that I miss 0-so-much.
5. I want to shop at Dig in Saugerties. They have cute clothes in the window. Enough to peak my interest. And on more than one occasion I have asked a girl in a cute top where did she get it and the answer has been, “Dig.”
When in doubt of emotional stability, one should follow these simple steps:
1. Cook. It seems that standing in the kitchen, regardless of how cold the floor tiles are, makes a difference. Cooking allows creativity and consistency to happen at the same time. Whether it’s something you have never made before or a classic pasta dish that never goes wrong, cook. It’s food for the soul. Literally.
2. Plan visits. My girls came this weekend. It was a quick 24 hour trip, but made a HUGE impact on my emotional disposition. It’s also incredible how being friends since college has provided that loophole of it doesn’t matter how long we haven’t seen each other, we’ll just pick up where we left off. There was comfort in the conversations of work stress, home life perils, significant other or lack of complaints. And comfort in cheese. Lots of cheese. And cupcakes. And bread. And coffee. And wine. In no specific order.
3. Plan ahead. Thinking of things that are coming ahead on the calendar allows for anticipation and excitement to come through, healthy emotions that hopefully will kick ass on the ones getting you down. Writing things on the calendar or having a countdown (reasonable numbers work, hundreds not so much) also shows you when something you actually want to do is coming around the corner.
4. Don’t ignore that you are turning 29. Or whatever milestone year that is freaking you out. Not sure if it’s the number or how fast time is going, but make it stop! Please. And. Thanks. One solution is to pretend it doesn’t bother you, it may actually become reality as it’s hard to be miserable while celebrating. For example, heading to Mercato for an amazing dinner with the brother, his girlfriend and the roommate and then off to the symphony at Bard is an excellent distraction. And delicious, fun and memorable.
5. Give it up. Clearly dwelling on misery isn’t going to allow it to leave. I know, what a novel idea.
6. Don’t watch the weather. It’s never right, it’s going to snow no matter what s/he says and if you’re luck the sun will come out and it won’t feel like 12. Again.
7. Eat ice cream. Or whatever treat that you can have a bite of and feel a lil better. Moderation IS key, but hit the gym a little harder, starve yourself tomorrow or just pack on a few till spring. That’s why they make bulky sweaters and leggings.
More to come on how to make yourself feel better… it’s been a full-time job lately, so there are some pointers that may get us all through it.
“Healing takes courage, and we have courage, even if we have to dig a little to find it.” ~ Tori Amos
My life seems to be on ff (fast forward). I would like to slow it down. I am going to work on that for the month of December.
And remembering that the last 11 months were full. Really full. And fast. Too fast.
I went to yoga for New Year’s Eve and brought 2011 in peacefully, quietly and wonderfully.
There was skiing, three 30th birthdays, gym, yoga and football.
I turned 28 in February and became a redhead.
I made homemade fortune cookies.
We saw Michael Franti and Spearhead and John Mayer at Madison Square Garden.
We celebrated Kim’s 30th in March. In Europe. With Dave. Nothing and everything was the same after that trip.
We saw Billy Joel and Elton John in Albany.
I ran the Shamrock Run. First and last race of the year.
There was yoga, birthdays, Artisnal cocktails and blind dates.
There was Team Pixie Dust dinner dance and Passover. For 20.
April brought bonfires, yoga, ACS gala, tres leche.
I took a Photoshop course, through a surprise party for my brother at Mercato and went to LA.
In May we went and met the Mendelsen men. It’s a choir. And we love them.
I got new couches, went to meditation, heard Nacirema, drank Grey Dog raspberry ice tea.
I signed a lease.
I cooked ramps.
Went on a booze cruise which lead to changing roles, rules and expectations. Thank you Universe for teaching without hurting too much.
And then I moved. In. With. A. Boy. Roommate.
Had my first and only deer encounter. “Welcome to the country,” I was told.
Went to Dave.
And Mountain Jam.
Baby showers, Relay for Life, babies, Band of Horses and painted the rest of June.
The 4th / housewarming extravaganza.
Then the summer went so fast all of our heads spun. There were concerts.
And backyard BBQs, bonfires, butterflies and sunsets.
My ridiculously fabulous sister turned 21. I remember the day she came home from the hospital. She was very little. She had a curly ‘do. She smelled new. She smirked before she smiled, screamed before she coohed and had me in the palm of her hand before she opened her big brown eyes. Apparently praying for a baby sister every night for nine months worked. Years have passed and there have been ups and downs, but she still made it with grace to the legal age. May she have 100 more birthdays just as great as this one. I will make cake for every single one.
One day two crazy gals ripped out a hot tub from the ground. And then the following weekend built a stone patio. Talk about surprising yourself.
We threw a “Hello Fall BBQ.” This was to subsidize the lack of an end of Summer BBQ. This is also when I learned that everyone doesn’t love parties as much as I do. And I also learned that the same people love me enough to have them anyway.
There was FOOTBALL. Every time we played football in the park I wanted to watch the Daria episode where she yells, “FOOTBALL.” It was my closest connection to my gut reaction in playing the sport. I just wrote playing a sport and me in the same sentence. I think we should call someone about this.
In October I sent off a dear friend to California, my wingwoman. It was sad. I made cake. And that’s all I’m gunna say about that.
There were trips to walking towns, Sunday night dinners and the change of the seasons.
We celebrated Halloween (my most favorite holiday) with a house party. There was decorations, shenanigans and lots of laughter. Please note “Party’s Here” carving stage right.
We went to Philly to cheer on my brother-from-another-mother in his second marathon.
The gaping hole in this 2010 recap will be from mid-November to mid-December. That’s when everyday seemed to be, “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.” Throw in a 10 year high school reunion, a few mind games and a dash of depression and we’ve covered that chunk of time just fine.
On to the end of December. We bought a Christmas tree. It was a humorous experience and worth every second guess of the “perfect” tree.
Holiday cheer and snow arrived around the same time.
Here we are. Prepping for New Year’s Eve again. How did that happen?
Wishing you all the best for 2011. Thank you for being here and allowing my creative outlet to invade your screen. I have a lot of faith that the best is yet to come. A lot.
There seems to be a lot of insanity going on in my life right now. I’m pretty sure it has nothing to do where I live, but this city mouse is freaking out in the country.
As my mother would say, “You have the tools to get through this.” Well, I am digging DEEP into the toolbox this week. The simple things are painful, the complex things unbearable, the surprise things are startling. One of my best pieces of advice that I dole out regularly to friends and loved ones is a gratitude journal. You spend a full month writing down three things you are thankful for each day. It changes your perspective, maybe even your life. It creates appreciation when there seems to be none. It makes you be positive in a world of negativity.
In starting my gratitude journal, I realized this was going to be manageable for me. Despite the miserableness that I have been walking around with the moments come quick when I have my pen out. I thought I would share my first few days and encourage you, yes you out there, to do the same.
December 1st
1. phone call with Nana, “Love you my darling.”
2. roommate to light the first night of candles with
3. phone call with Kim, seeing her comes soon
December 2nd
1. cleaning ladies
2. shopping with Toddly and Roomie for sheets, gosh they are funny
3. payday being tomorrow
Dcember 3rd
1. TGIF
2. lobster malabar
3. knowing that home is safe and your sweatpants live there
December 4th
1. Toni wanting to see me even when she has to study
2. Winning the door prize at the Creekside Adorning‘s Holiday Showcase
3. Koz
December 5th
1. gathering around the table
2. the ability to cook deliciousness
3. the smell of Noel’s tree
May you all find joy in the “little things.” Like chopping onions, silk scarves, cooking like a farm wife, and breathing.
“A natural expression of a loving heart,
The power of gratitude recharges our souls,
In giving thanks we help heal the world
And increase our abundance of blessings unknown.”
~ Katherine Scherer
