First Person Singular by Wendy Braitman

French Macaroons are making their debut

Drizzling chocolate was a last minute improvisation as a way to hide imperfections. We’ll see what the Seder crowd says.

Stepping Out, part 2 (The Seder)

For the first time ever, I’m going to a restaurant for Passover. The group with whom I usually celebrate the holiday are away, and though I could’ve orphaned myself out, I decided to try something new. I heard about a wonderful eatery in Los Angeles that does a special Passover meal, and thought this could be a fun adventure. I’ll be sitting at the bar with a friend. I’m giddy about it. Menu below:

Passover Seder 5774

Matzo Ball Soup, lemongrass broth, spring vegetables
Asparagus and Spring Radish Salad with hard cooked egg

Main Course, Choice of:

Jar’s Signature Pot Roast carrot, caramelized onions, fingerling potatoes
Sautéed Alaskan Halibut fava, scallion, horseradish mashed potatoes

Dessert Course:

Assorted Macaroons,
Chocolate Eminence and Lemon Cheese Cake

Photo by Ghislain Amar

Breathless End of Week Zen

Check out more stunning photos here. Happy weekend!

Storytelling

Last night, I visited with a large extended family who had just lost their beloved 98 year-old relative. It was a poignant gathering of people telling stories about an amazing woman. For a moment I wondered, who will tell my story? And then I went home and had a martini.

Artwork by Anatol Knotek

It’s the Season to Crack Some Eggs

I’ve decided to go out on a limb for Passover this year by attempting the French Macaron. In preparation, I’ve read blogs, watched videos and got so wound up about it, that I did a test run. The initial batch was okay, but not noteworthy. My pastry bag technique could use some work, and I overwhipped the whites. Even as an experienced baker, this is a hard one. Any French Macaron veterans out there?

Photo by Selah Time

Do You Find Pleasure in Home Chores

Photo by Christopher Boffoli

What Are You Reading?

Reading list by Donald Barthelme

(Spotted on biblioklept)

End of Week Zen

About to switch off. Tomorrow is the last day to enter our contest. Happy weekend!

Street art by Escif

Stepping Out

A friend invited me to be her plus one at a film event tonight. It’s an intimate gathering at someone’s fancy house, and I’ve been looking forward to it. Our plan was that she would pick me up, and we’d only have to valet park one car. This morning, my friend emailed that she’s on a tight schedule so it might be easier to meet her at the event. Even though I have fairly good cocktail party skills, the idea of walking into the room knowing no one, was more than I cared to handle. So I’ve decided to drive far out of my way to hook up with my friend, so we can enter as a pair. Whew. Details to follow.

Photo by Elke Vogelsang

This is Humbling

I wish I’d remembered this earlier today. Perhaps I would have behaved better.

Typography by Simon Walker