The first two weeks at our local farmer’s market have been a parade of the fattest asparagus. The bigger, the better for us when it comes to this vegetable, in sharp contrast to how we like most of our food. This composed salad celebrates spring. …
Last spring, I was honored to be an artist in residence in the Pullman neighborhood in our beautiful city of Chicago. I initially had made plans to map the many blocks around my space as I considered the ravages of the built environment in the …
Happy Valentine’s Day!
This Onion Dip for Breakfast pair had an early start in celebrating Valentine’s Day by having afternoon tea at the Drake Hotel over the past weekend. In the Palm Court, the hotel’s strikingly opulent and beautiful restaurant, we sipped tea, champagne, ate finger sandwiches, scones, cakes and pastries. We were surrounded by a room full of other guests who seemed just as eager as we were to sit in this gorgeous space so removed from the hustle and bustle which normally takes place in our busy lives.
I’m not quite sure what made this experience so special and enjoyable. Yes, the decor was outstanding and regal. The other patrons seemed just as happy as we were to sit back and enjoy all of the wonder. It seemed to be a special occasion for all who were there. We knew without asking that the server had been there for years, upholding the standards which made the Palm Court such a desired destination.
The harpist played so many familiar songs. As I think about it, perhaps it’s the splendor of the historical context of the hotel and restaurant’s existence and knowing that it has entertained and served countless guests since it opened its doors over 100 years ago.
It was a marvelous kickoff to what I hope will be a week filled with love and affection with family and friends. Wishing each of you a lovely Valentine’s Day!
We never miss an opportunity to enjoy art in the galleries and on the table. How wonderful was it to engage with both! First, there was a terrific retrospective of Faith Ringgold’s body of work. And then there was the art of the table. Chicago …
We all were in favor of a relaxing holiday week with plenty of food, drink, conversation, and song. After almost three weeks of travel and landing in Chicago on Christmas Day, being still was a gift itself. Half of Onion Dip had been in the …
This morning’s family media club discussion focused on a special episode of High on the Hog, “Defiance”, that features my hometown of Atlanta.
Public history is always personal history. In this case, the episode highlighted places and people near and dear to my heart: the West End, AU Center, Paschal’s, Fourth Ward, and so much more.
Of course it sparked a conversation about my dear Great Aunt Yvonne who was arrested as a Spelman student at a civil rights sit-in during the sixties. She later found meaning in the Peace Corps in the Philippines before traveling around the world connecting with folks wherever she went. Here’s to those extraordinary people planting seeds!
Here’s more information on these pivotal times.
Back in high school, my love for history was fed by many but especially by one teacher. Her knowledge spanned millennia and she shared it with us through literature, music, art, her stories, and even food. Ancient Greece and Rome, the Middle Ages, and more. …
Who tells the stories? Legend has it that the Greek god of the Underworld, Hades, desired the young Persephone, goddess of Spring. So he asked his brother, Zeus, if he could have her as his ”bride”. Will it surprise you to know that Persephone was …
When friends become friends because of the most (un)likely series of events.
As always, it began with coffee and seeds.
