minetta tavern again!

This is where I like to go when I"m craving a simple plate of pasta - doesn't hurt that everything else on the menu is absolutely delicious as well. It's easier to get a seat during brunch but either way it's well worth the wait!


Cabillaud En Papillote baked cod in parchment with corn, chanterelles, cockles and baby leeks. I love fish baked in parchment paper - so flakey! And opening up the package is like opening up a present at the dinner table - always a plus!




Pasta Za Za fresh pasta with pancetta, sage, parmesan, and a fried egg (excluded the pancetta)


Black Label Burger selection of prime dry-aged beef cuts with caramelized onions and pommes frites


Tavern Steak with pommes frites

barriochino

One of my favorite places to grab a tequila spiked drink and chill out with friends. Easy eating. I think it's the Texan in me that gravitates towards these flavors. Guacamole, fish tacos, grapefruit margaritas, and good company are a no fail formula for a great night in my book.

something different

I was really lucky these past few days to meet with the designers of some amazing jewelry lines and preview some of their upcoming collections. Ready-to-wear will always be my first love but sometimes it's so refreshing to see a new product category. Plus a big bonus of looking at jewelry - it's so easy to try on!

BING BANG








ANNA SHEFFIELD

Obsessed with this teardrop shaped silver bracelet

BLISS LAU











Needless to say I wanted to own every single one of these pieces. I also loved how she puts so much thought into the design - many of her chains can be worn several ways.

MADE HER THINK








PAMELA LOVE






UNEARTHEN JEWELRY





I love these little vintage watch pieces! What a great way to use old objects and make them new and precious all over again!







** please ignore the somewhat lackluster picture quality - taken with an old school Canon point and shoot. not so great for crystal clear shots but great for portability!

letter to josephine

wake filled with thoughts of you. Your portrait and the intoxicating evening which we spent yesterday have left my senses in turmoil. Sweet, incomparable Josephine, what a strange effect you have on my heart! Are you angry? Do I see you looking sad? Are you worried?... My soul aches with sorrow, and there can be no rest for you lover; but is there still more in store for me when, yielding to the profound feelings which overwhelm me, I draw from your lips, from your heart a love which consumes me with fire? Ah! it was last night that I fully realized how false an image of you your portrait gives!

You are leaving at noon; I shall see you in three hours.

Until then, mio dolce amor, a thousand kisses; but give me none in return, for they set my blood on fire.

- Napolean Bonaparte

love letter

My letters will have shown you how lovely I am. I don't dine at Court, I see few people, and take my walks alone, and at every beautiful spot I wish you were there. 

I can't help loving you more than is good for me; I shall feel all the happier when I see you again. I am always conscious of my nearness to you, your presence never leaves me. In you I have a measure for every woman, for everyone; in your love a measure for all that is to be. Not in the sense that the rest of the world seems obscure tome, on the contrary, your love makes it clear; I see quite clearly what men are like and what they plan, wish, do and enjoy; I don't grudge them what they have, and comparing is a secret joy to me, possessing as I do such an imperishable treasure. 

- johann wolfgang von goethe

bouchon las vegas

Bouchon Bistro at the Venetian is very much hidden away and low key for being one of the best restaurants in Vegas but it's well worth the small trek to eat a Thomas Keller designed meal. I love the laid back atmosphere of the place, elegant, but relaxed - just the right spot to have a date night dinner with the boy.

Salade de Calmar - marinated squid salad with little gem lettuces, niçoise olives, lobster croûtons, and sweet corn vinaigrette. Absolutely delicious.

Plat du jour - braised short ribs. This dish was the home run of the night. It seemed that every table was ordering this and I felt bad for the couple next to us because they were sold out by the time they were ready to order.


Poulet Rôti - roasted chicken with fennel bulb, mission figs, sunchokes, and chicken jus. Aromatic and comforting.

Wearing my favorite piece of jewelry, Pamela Love's talon cuff.