Each visit to New York has always included popping into a sweet shop for a little bit of chocolate, pastry or cookie. So much so that I’ve contemplated writing a little black book on sweets alone in NYC. Some desserts trend so much that there …
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!
What are you having? The Super Bowl is this Sunday and we’re getting our menu together. We can’t help but think of our family favorite, chicken wings, whenever we get together for the big game! Here’s a look back to a great day. ——— The …
[The second time around🎶🎶] We love Barcelona so much that we’re back drooling over these images. Shall we return to this vibrant city? Yes! “Ooooh, what’s over there?” That question has been my mom’s mantra for as long as I can remember. She’s the one …
We just returned from an eight day trip to El Salvador. There was so much to see and do in this Central American country which we’ve never visited before, but are already making plans to return. This post will concentrate on our time in San Salvador, the capital, where the majority of the country’s population resides. A future post will delve into our time at beach resorts 2 hours away, which was full of outdoor activities and nightlife.
San Salvador, like most of El Salvador, is mountainous, lush and green. The month of January is in their summer and called the dry season. It’s a photographer’s paradise.
We enjoyed our meals in the country. The national dish, the pupusa, is a stuffed thick griddle corn cake filled with cheese, peppers and endless other options. Being that I love cornbread and corn-related foods, I enjoyed pupusas wherever it was offered.
Other delectable dishes that graced our table were all types of ceviche, tostadas, nachos, burritos, delicious fruits and loads of desserts.
In taking a private tour of the central area of San Salvador, we were given a history of the country. It was once a colony of Spain in the 1500’s and gained its independence in the early 1800’s. The people of El Salvador and the surrounding countries are of Mayan descent. Because of the slave trade, there is an African connection with some of its inhabitants.
In walking through the parks, squares, business and entertainment areas where people and families seemed to gather endlessly, there was an air of relaxation and joy. Small musical bands played in the parks accompanied by young or older dancers. Music flowed throughout. I’m reminded of how New Orleans is called the Big Easy. Things seemed rather easy in San Salvador. It seemed almost like a holiday with the beautiful weather playing its part.
The National Palace of El Salvador
The National Library, a 55 million dollar structure funded by the Government of China.
While in San Salvador, we stayed at the Sheraton Presidente San Salvador Hotel, a place steeped in history. The accommodations were great, the meals lovely, and amenities were excellent. What stood out for me was the wall of photos of Heads of States who had stayed at the hotel. My favorite president of all time, President Barack Obama, was pictured several times. Presidents Clinton and Bush were also framed on the wall. Every time I passed the photographs, I smiled.
El Salvador, I’m planning a return!
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. …
