Some years back, half of ODB spent several weeks exploring England. After a couple of weeks in London, our first stop was Hampton Court Palace. While built by Cardinal Wolsey, it’s most known for being a favorite of Henry VIII. After a significant disgrace, Wolsey “gave” …
When I first moved to Chicago, I worked to create pathways for folks who found it extremely difficult to find work in our city. It boggles the mind to see how the deck was stacked against the most marginalized of us. My office sat within …
On the eve of our country’s Independence Day, I, like many other Americans, find myself reflecting on what we mean by the words independence, liberty, and freedom. Just two weeks ago, we were celebrating Juneteenth. Almost a century separates these two commemorative moments (and all that they represent) and we remain curious about how we hold both of these in our hearts and minds. The tensions between these two national holidays are not lost on us at Onion Dip for Breakfast.
As we cheer on the end of tyranny and the demand for liberation through our red-white-and-blue dishes, potato salad, berry-topped flag cakes, and barbecue, we will pursue that elusive liberation and expect just beauty, too.
I recently spent an afternoon with a herd of bison, up close and personal, as they grazed on the grassy plain and huddled together with their small calves. It was mind-boggling to think that they were living not far from Chicago, and some compassionate people …
Today we lovingly poured our ruby-colored red drink into champagne flutes that had been purchased with my mom nearly two decades ago. We toasted our ancestors and to love as we reveled in the spiciness of sorrel. It is celebratory.
We nibble on boiled peanuts that taste of black-eyed peas and connect us to my childhood. I vividly remember eagerly squeezing the shells to get to these slippery and soft nuts.
And of course there’s watermelon. Today they look like thick discs topped with salty crumbled feta and the tiniest basil leaves and royal purple flowers. This dish is a nod to living in Greece in the 90s and it’s ubiquitous (and delicious!) sheep’s milk cheese. Is it possible for the feast to be more wonderful because it’s set in the Black Garden? Why yes.
Happy Juneteenth! Jubilee!
Aww, Chastain! One of my favorite places ever for an evening out to watch some of the greatest entertainers perform. For years, we’ve made the trek to the Chastain Amphitheater with coolers, picnic baskets, flowers, vases and lovely tablecloths to setup for a magical evening …
We’re making more room for celebrating. There’s enough going on in the world that needs little reminding of how cruel it can be. So we’re having moments to toast to good times, blow out candles, dance here and there, and laugh. Laugh so hard that …
During a recent visit to New York City, we stayed at the 122-year old Algonquin Hotel. We’ve stayed at the hotel once before, however, this time, the hotel revealed its historical past through the Blue Bar menu and a chance meeting with Hamlet, the cat.
As we sat at one of the tables in the Blue Bar, I imagined how this place must have been in years gone by. It apparently was the spot where artists , writers, musicians and other creative people hung out. I felt comfortable writing, thinking and sipping on a drink which had been conjured-up over a century ago.
As I walked out of the elevator, I bumped into the current Hamlet as he walked around his splendid residence. He was accompanied by his caretaker who introduced us and shared his interesting history. What a delight!
Cheers to The Algonquin! Cheers to your lively and colorful past. And cheers to Hamlet the Cat who is the 12th generation of the Expert-in-residence!
I am not an optimist. When I tell folks that, they rarely believe me. Surely, you jest. But, but, but you’re so happy… I’ve always armored myself with a fair amount of pragmatism and pessimism, steeling myself as much as one can for the other …
