April gave us a few back to Winter coat days…and then in the same week, shirtless young beautiful men running along the Hudson River weather! Beautiful women as well, just not shirtless!
Cherry Blossoms were incredible, tulips seem to be fleeting and daffodils seemed in short supply. Years ago in Chapel Hill one of my guests brought me daffodils cut from her immense sloping hillside garden, a sea of gold, like sunflowers in France.
Stunning.
Maybe this year it is “May showers bring June flowers…”
Easter and Passover overlapped and came early. Though I may still need more chocolate, white chocolate used to be my favorite when I was younger, too many years ago now to remember, but now I lean towards the fruity Manjari. Well, really, any chocolate, who am I kidding?!
We took the old Mercedes out for a Sunday spin, over to City Island, across from the Bronx. A platter of seafood, Calabash style, with plenty of family groups surrounding our table with celebrations. A glimpse into a quiet little island oasis just a stones throw from the bustle of the city.
We had a rare “treat ourselves” Sunday night dinner out to celebrate and enjoy the cuisine of our friend Won, at Atomix. The most lovely, discreet townhouse setting, personal, thoughtful little expressions of culinary taste sensations, watching him create right in front of us, with joy and all precise movement. We celebrate him because he is now off to a more intense continuation of his food journey, heading to San Francisco to work at the 3 Michelin Star Benu.
We are proud of him, we will miss him. Our evening was lovely. The whole team polished and welcoming.
We are lucky to host private events at Eulalie, both business and personal. We are always so flattered to be a part of these fetes, especially when a guest who has been so supportive of our dream chooses to throw herself a birthday party! Dr. Ellen Robinson certainly brought together a group of family and friends that was a pleasure to care for, complete with an amazing vocalist! It is the laughter and camaraderie of your connections that add memories to the very paint on the walls…you can still hear the echo of conversation and stories if you listen closely at the end of each evening. Our little house becomes more of a home with each of your visits. Alive with the cherished moments. Thank you.
Photo Colin Clark for The New York Times
Photo Colin Clark for The New York Times
As mentioned before, our fresh Chevre from Lively Run, in the Fingerlakes, has arrived and now in our souffle, a coat of tangy richness on the tongue. As the goats dine on more and more outdoor fresh grasses, the cheese just keeps getting more intense.
Funnily enough though, Chenin Blanc did not make it sing this year, but we keep tasting to find that oh so perfect pairing, I am obsessed, as you know.
Foie Gras with Rhubarb, both pickled and a puree, and since Mother Nature can deliver a new profile every Spring, this year the Rhubarb really shows at the end that it is of the celery family, love that!
Alsace Gewurztraminer was perfect to capture the complexity of the composed bite…Meyer-Fonne.
Spring Lamb, sugar snaps, peas, pearl onions.
I jump back and forth between Saumur puy Notre Dame Cabernet Franc to Corsican Red, back and forth back and forth.
A new soft merengue based Gateau Russe. Pecans!
Rich, decadent. Rivesaltes in the glass to finish the night.
Local bounty of produce just cannot catch a break. The weather is just not cooperating, but it will come and we are eager to receive. Stay tuned. What are you anxious for? I cannot decide between strawberries or delicate salad greens…tender cucumbers, radishes, Green Goddess dressing.
Are you anticipating the coming lazy days of Summer?
Planning beautiful trips? Opening your secret getaway houses? Let us know what is up your sleeves. We enjoy hearing of your adventures. We so enjoy your company. I am always so grateful that you choose to spend your evening with us.
Reach out to those around you, with care and a bended ear. We are all one big circle of people.
We need to relish in the fact that knowing someone is there for you goes a long way for healthy living. Calm.
Until next time,
–Chip and Tina and the best team in New York City
