A Festive Table

Another friend, John Studinski, a partner at Blackstone, hosted a wonderful dinner at the Lotos Club the previous night - the table was beautiful.

Thank you, Martha. 

I spy gold votives, a jewel-toned tablecloth, festive patterned crackers, and a single long centerpiece down the table. The crystal also creates a sparkle. Super beautiful even if whoever set the table didn't double check to make sure the votives lined up end to end.

Rules of Civility

Rules of Civility: a fabulous mostly upper crust story set in 1940s New York City. It reads Gatsby-esque and maybe Somerset Maugham, but the author Amor Towles (an investment banker, what?) gets full credit for an excellent read.

Enjoyed, too, the unique way in which he formatted dialogue.

Loved. Enjoyed. Savored. Your turn.

A favorite part:

 

Katey recounts her recent drama to an acquaintance Bitsy over burgers, fries, and bourbons at the Ritz. 

Bitsy responds to the story, "That's a Grand Canyon of a tale. A mile deep and two miles wide." 

Katey was expecting advice and finally asked, "So, what do you think I should do?" 

Bitsy looked surprised and said, "Do? Why, keep it up!"

Life? "Do? Why, keep it up!"

"Death of a Salesman" on Broadway

I will not get to see "Death of a Salesman" on Broadway so will someone please go for me? Living vicariously is the next best thing.....I have loved this play since high school, and Philip Seymour Hoffman is an amazing actor, one of the few that when reviewers label him "versatile," I think YES! (In comparison with oh let's say Nicholas Cage.)  

The storyline is tragic, yes, but so beautiful. Willy Loman is the everyman whose present life does not compare with his dreams and expectations, and ultimately he can't handle the disappointment. There's a lot of self-pity in that character, and it must be hard work to take yourself that seriously.....Willy needed to laugh more, and I am reminded to laugh more.

Marcel Proust. “Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.”

Excellent (and glowing) New Yorker review here....

Happy Sunday -- Breakfast at Cafe Gitane

One of my former roommates introduced me to avocado toast from Cafe Gitane in New York City, for which I am eternal grateful. I've tried to replicate it at home (toasted sprouted grain bread, avocado, red pepper flakes, lemon juice and olive oil), but homemade replicas never compare to the perfect goodness of the real deal. Paired with the fruit salad (fruit, fresh mint and orange juice), a cappuccino, and the New York Times....voila, the best part of waking up.