A Universal Month of flurry! Graduations everywhere, High School, Colleges, Graduation Schools. All of that jubilation…relief, exhaustion. Satisfaction. Pride. Fulfillment.
We have the unparalleled privilege of participating in a Graduation that gives all of us a gift that truly continues to spread joy as they move forward in their respective careers. Most of them are already so accomplished it makes you feel a sense of wonder.
Dr. Aaron Flagg and our amazing friend, Wynton Marsalis, gather up every year the most dedicated and gifted young musicians and singers to emerse themselves in the challenges of the Arts at Juilliard.
Experiencing all aspects of what it really takes to then step out on a stage and delight an audience. And all of the pesky details behind the scenes that layer your journey.
We feed their bodies and they then feed our ears, our souls, after dinner, bringing to life the essence of what jazz is. Leaning into each other. Stepping back and letting another jump up and take a turn. Telling us the past in the rhythms and blaring out the future in the notes…there was not a foot among us that was not keeping the beat along with them. They are able to transport us all to an escape in our minds. Even for a brief moment. We feel life is similar to that particular art. Sometimes cool and serene and other times strident and blaring. Crooning in your ear one day and the next day a tornado of chaos. Exciting. Dynamic. Let us all live out loud.
As you can gather, Chip and I do this more us than it seems for them. Nourishment for us! Unadulterated happy.
NC Barbecue Staff Meal
And, of course, the salute and embrace of Mother’s Day. We all raise a glass to those with us and those who have traveled on. The memories remain.
New York has had an abundance of rain, but it has not kept us all indoors. Streets are lively. Outdoor festivals are beginning. Food, dance, music, theatre, art. So many of our guests are regaling us with a visit to the Frick or to the Met. Splashy Spring Fetes consume us. All of that incredible NYC energy that buzzes about before the stillness of Summer rambles in, luring us all to stroll instead of sprint, take a moment longer on that bench watching the chess players in the parks. Linger at an outdoor table with another Negronis!
Our family of farmers at Spruce Ridge in Old Chatham are gearing up and the bounty has begun. Lettuces, darling and delicious radishes, eggs and more eggs. Rhubarb and Asparagus. Chip made both a Rhubarb chutney and a Rhubarb pickle! And a savory Peach confiture. That rocked on the Terrine dish that was Veal, morels and pistachios.
First Softshell Crabs for us is Mother Nature’s natural moon cycle…first full moon of May until the first full moon of June. Chip does that voodoo that he do so well…brown butter, lemon, capers, hazelnuts, shallots. An incredible Trebbiano d’Abruzzo sang along with that dish!
Fresh Goat Cheese from Lively Run Dairy paired up with green garlic for the annual emergency of the Souffle twice baked. Old school Vouvray.
Strawberries are teasing us…come on and ripen. Our Pavlova awaits!
So, what are all of you planning for your Summer escape? Can’t wait to hear of your adventures, your dishes and wines you discover. Come down and see us in beautiful Tribeca. A cold glass of Rose or an icy Martini waits for the clink of a toast.
Until then…take genuine good care of those around you and of yourself. Relish in the simple things that fill you up and allow you to exhale.
–Chip and Tina & the team at the ever lovely Eulalie
