"art of the table"

Snap shot of glasses, parrot tulip and tempra painter Fred Wessel.  He has been married to his wife LeAnn for thirty seven years.  She paints teeny tiny reproduction beauties that can fit into the center of your hand.

This was a cloud of goodness.  Think truffley broth, fresh pasta stuffed with goat cheese and watercress.

Olive oil cake with poached pears and powdered sugar.  A nice, not too sweet ending.

Beautiful Julie curled her hair and wore a beautiful and interesting blouse with full sleeves.

This was a fish course that truly worked.  A soft buttery fish resting on strong flavors of olive and kale.

Fred Wessel is a remarkable artist with a big, open heart to boot.  This is one of my favorites from his collection.

So last Friday night was a fairy tale. I dined and wined it up at Art of the Table, an incredible "community" supper club spot in Wallingford. The food came out in courses (five / six ish total) and the maker of the food, a handsome man named Dustin, cutely talked about his ingredients and concepts while we sipped the wine that inspired it. I wore my peacock blue pumps and lots of Black Orchid perfume / orange apricot lipstain. I enjoyed the good wine. I ate the out-of-control food and delighted in the truly spectacular company of my dining mates; it was my great fortune to meet (and love!) two fascinating artists.  I got to hear their measured thoughts on the public school system, traveling in Italy and why they decided to get married to one another.  I blew my tongue out of my mouth with delicious ness like a super subtle nettle bisque, decedent pork belly and prettae basil ice cream... hopefully you can feel a glimpse.  

Dustin Ronspies is the chef and co owner of Art of the Table. Yes, he is handsome. Noticably. And yes, I google imaged him to find this pic. Random stalker moment of the week.

new year ness ... xxo

New Year's Eve Party.  Dec 31, 2010.

A two limed gin & tonic

David wishes you a happy new year.

Happy new year to everyone.  I like the sound of 2011.  So grateful & amazed by all the good & beauty & truth telling & fellowship that went down in 2010.  Can't wait for another year with more stuff to say and make and eat and hear and try to do.  Last night was delicious and boozy --- and so was this "new" day.  Thank you to our friends that dined and toasted with us -- love love love that we did it up last night and that everyone could return today for more toasting...  My kind of party.

Olives & hummus plate with candles.

Beef and chicken samosas. 

I'm showing off my new manicure & a bakelite bracelet while attempting Margot's artichoke dip.

Last night's festivities were wonderful.  The menu included samosas with a yogurt dipping sauce, gin and tonics, shots of nice tequila (w lots of lime & salt!), smores made under the broiler with gourmet marshmallows from Butter, Margot's world famous artichoke dip and and a homemade pizza with spinach and garlic.  It was a random but nice spread of food.  This morning we gathered back together for a late brunch and ate a sausage egg bake, mandarin oranges, smoked salmon with yogurt & dill, and fresh baked croissants, among other things.  And to drink?  Heaven.  ...  Grenadine topped mimosas in  vintage champagne glasses that have those outta control cool stems that hold liquid in the stem ...

I think getting to January means I have to put away my baby Jesus manger scene...

These were even prettier in person.    (duh).

Deviled eggs made by Carl.

Farewell Christmas tree.  See you next year.

Artsy photo of the breakfast food and lone Diet Coke. No, it wasn't mine, I promise ;)

keepin' Sunday dinner special.

I brought out some stemware and a nice water jug. 

And some wine ...

I lit a candle in my new glass piece.



Spicy white bean dip & water crackers.  (Yes I wore gladiator sandals to dinner.  Holla.)



Taco fixings.

Self Portrait.

Dessert, (some were saved for breakfast ;).  Thanks Joleen!!

Last night's dinner was not special, per se, until I decided to style it up and make it so.  December nights can be funny in their tone - either they're super super special, complete with sparkly shoes & lips--- or not at all special and spent feeling entirely un festive, a la PJ's on the couch.  I was looking for something a little in between, a little piz azzy & pretty for me but not so much to confuse my dinner date into thinking he needed to change his shirt or sit at the table with a napkin in his lap.  Dinner was slow roasted pork and mushrooms  (think lots of white wine & peppers & sage) with guacamole, corn tortillas & spinach salad and dessert was lemon gelato with a toasted croissant.  Totally perf.