Pop Up Swim Peek!

Wanted to share a little peek at the Pop Up Fleur: Swim event from last night! Besides margs and tacos, there were more Spring and Summer goodies than I could handle! A few highlights: adorable koozies designed by our fave Bon Vivant, Turkish-T towels (if you don't know you should!), and tacos from Captain Poncho's food truck (WHICH. IS. AMAZING). 

Wonderland

via ChestChest

As I mentioned earlier, it is a snowy wonderland around here today (we get excited about a half-inch of snow in these parts). As I sit snuggled amongst dogs and blankets I daydream of the most glorious snow day delicacy: Serendipity's Frozen Hot Chocolate. It's so wickedly good. There are some great recipies on the interwebs for a home made version, here's an easy one from Epicurious:

6 half-oz. pieces of chocolate

2 teaspoons of hot chocolate mix

1.5 tablespoons sugar

1.5 cups milk

3 cups ice

Whipped cream & chocolate shavings for toppings

*Chop the chocolate into small pieces & place in the top of double boiler over simmering water, stir occasionally until melted

*Remove from heat & slowly add 1/2 cup of milk, stirring until smooth, cool to room temperature

*Place remaining cup of milk in blender, add room temperature chocolate mix, and ice.

*Blend on high speed until smooth

*Pour and top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings and enjoy!

via Epicurious

via Dashing Dish

Honor Thy Mother

I hope everyone had a lovely weekend, and got the chance to spend a little time honoring their mamas. I got to have an EXCLUSIVE brunch with my mother, sans dad and bro, at NOFO. It could not have been nicer. I would be nowhere without my mother, and one day is nowhere near enough to properly pay tribute to her. (Although, she will completely ruin this statement when she sees it by reminding me of this every time she needs to.) (You will mom.) We also got her this absolutely stunning necklace that she had been loving by Courtney Bell from Charlotte's, featuring vintage glass pearls and a reworked GORGEOUS broach. Below see my skinnyass mom behind her lumberjack breakfast. Yes, she ate the whole thing, and yes she weighs 95 pounds. Additionally see the truly tortuous display of truffles that NOFO has conveniently stationed next to the door. 

Sunday Funday

Sunday rituals: we've all got them. One of mine is the Amazing Roll from Haru and my TV lineup. There's simply nothing better than pigging out on one of these while basking in the glow of HBO and a glass of red wine. Haru is tucked next to perennial neighborhood fave  Glenwood Grill, and lacks anything resembling atmosphere, and has the distinction of having hardest-working yet somehow most inefficient service (but Lord knows they're sweet). All of that said Haru has the BEST sushi in town, which cancels out the aforementioned issues. 

Sunday Funday

Patrick Dougherty installation in Iris

On this dreary, cold Sunday I had the pleasure of enjoying a meet-and-greet brunch for the Contemporaries Board of Directors at the North Carolina Museum of Art's restaurant Iris. Besides the lovely company, I must mention the lobster+asparagus+Gruyere omlette, which was to die for. If you have not dined there it's really not to be missed; the restaurant (named after museum benefactor Iris Cantor) is stationed at the entrance of the museum's new building, bathed in natural light and dominated by the huge Patrick Dougherty installation that almost appears to be living. Our lunch was followed with a quick docent-led tour (Lindsay was wonderful if you're planning to take one) that was full of interesting information about some of the museum's most interesting pieces. There is so much to see, but I just wanted to share these pictures of the two installations that have meant the most to me since the new building was opened. The other piece I have been so taken with is Roxy Paine's Askew, I call it The Tree, that sits on a knoll in front of the new building. It changes every time I see it; it's amazing: the light, the weather, the time of day completely changes its mood. 

Visit the NCMA's website for a much more informative review, Iris' hours, and membership!

Askew today

Down In The Bayou...

The patio at Bouligny Tavern

So I recently spent 3 weeks in New Orleans (actually it was just 4 days, but it felt like 3 weeks) for Jazz Fest; I'd never been down there before now and really fell in love with the city. I found some similarities, familiarities I suppose, to some of the other Southern coastal towns I love-Charleston or Savannah-that made it instantly endearing. It has the beautiful architecture, the laid back atmosphere, and that air that's warm and rich and sweet. It is definitely it's own city though; New Orleans has it's own unique character, everyone there has this high spirit that I haven't seen anywhere else. Especially given it's recent hardships, people there just have an extra shine. Now, I could tell you a bunch of stories and misadventures (in case you're wondering, Kid Rock will let you into his party if you tell him you'll do a cannonball in the pool), but I really want to share with you a delicious recipe. We had dinner at this fabulous wine bar on Magazine Street called Bouligny Tavern, which was opened by the renowned chef of Lilette. I am no connoisseur, but one of my friends ordered the most amazing crostini I have ever experienced. So simple but soooo amazing, just some toasted bread with cheese and a touch of oil. And really perfect for a summertime appetizer. Here's their recipe-I'm telling you, deceptively simple-fresh burrata cheese, Fleur De Sel, and truffle oil, on top of toasted crostini bread. It is on another level.