Pancake Bar and Citrus Pancakes

The story behind these photos goes like this. Girl meets Boy.  Girl and Boy have first date over a pancake meal. Girl and Boy decide to get married and have a "Breakfast at Sunset" themed wedding that included a pancake bar.  Pancake Bar = fun brunch idea to steal borrow someday.  Just add different types of syrup, fresh fruit, fresh squeezed orange juice and mimosa's and viola you have yourself an instant breakfast brunch. Talk about a great way to start the day!

I want to go a step further and try a new recipe. Citrus Pancakes sound like yummy goodness plus they also seem easy to make.  If you try them before I do please let me know how they turn out. I hope they are delicious.

Citrus Pancakes

Makes 12, 4-inch pancakes

3 cups pancake batter of your choice
Zest of 2 lemons, 2 limes, or 1 orange (your choice depending on the type of pancakes you want)
2/3 fresh whole milk-ricotta cheese
Peanut oil (for the griddle)
Butter (for griddle and serving)
Warm Grade B Maple Syrup (for serving)*

* Who knew there were different grades of maple syrup? Grade B is a dark syrup. Apparently there is a rating system!

Preparation
1. Stir the pancake batter and zest together in a bowl.
2. Ever so gently fold in the ricotta cheese.  Take care not to destroy its texture.
3. Prepare the griddle.
4. Drop the pancake batter on the griddle according to the instructions and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until bubbles appear on almost the entire surface of the pancakes.
5. Turn and very gently tap the pancakes with a metal spatula to make them uniform in thickness.
6. Cook until second side is golden, about 2 minutes, and serve on A-side up.
7. Enjoy your delicious goodness! (I added this one...)

Photos via Green Wedding Shoes; Recipe via Epicurious from the book Eat Me by Kenny Shopsin. Recipe renamed by Mrs. B.

Table Top Idea

As someone who loves photography there is no way I could pass up posting this great tabletop idea. What a great way to incorporate your pictures: make a table runner out of them! I can already imagine the great conversation around the table as a result of something as simple as this. Note to self....do this for the next gathering.....

photos via Oh So Beautiful Paper

Cocktail Napkins & Giveaway

I think having a set of cotton or linen cocktail napkins should be in everyone's linen closet or displayed on a really cool bar cart, a popular design trend these days.  You can go the traditional monogram route, which I am a fan of.  Or have fun and incorporate your favorite motif.  Such a small detail goes a long way.  Here are are a couple of examples that have caught my eye. 

In honor of my birthday (October 1) I will be selecting one reader to be the winner of  new set of 4 cotton/linen embroidered cocktail napkins. You will be receiving the set shown in the picture below.  In order for a chance to win all you need to do is simply add a comment to this post telling me what you've enjoyed most about my new little blog. Posts must be dated no later than Friday, October 1, 2010. Check back on this post to see who is selected and be sure to congratulate the new winner!  The winner will be posted on Saturday, October 2, 2010.  Good luck!

***WE HAVE A WINNER****
I picked a winner at random and "All Things Yummy" is the lucky one! Please email me your address so you can receive your gift! Congratulations!

Top photos via Gracious Style; Mddle photos via Wisteria; Bottom photos by Mrs. B

Happy Friday! Happy Weekend!

I hope you have a fabulous weekend.  What do you have planned? Tomorrow I am going to get my hair done and get dressed up for a wonderful night on the town.

Mr. B....if you are reading this....I look forward to a wonderful weekend with you......It's going to be a blast!

Photo from Harper's Bazaar via MyVintage Vouge.  Model: Anne St. Marie

Scenic Dining in Rome: Aroma at the Palazzo Manfredi

Italy is always on my mind. Always. There is no place I would rather be. Really. It has been a few years since I have have been to Rome but next time I am there I definitely want to check out the roof top restaurant, Aroma, at the 16 room Palazzo Manfredi Roma hotel. The Aroma restaurant has the most stunning view in Rome over looking the Colosseum. Doesn't it look like the perfect place to have a meal? I am sure I can linger here for hours. With a backdrop as stunning as the Colosseum, why would anyone ever want to leave?!

The hotel is owned by Counts Gofredo and Leonardo Manfredi and has recently undergone a renovation. The colors and design of the new hotel and restaurant respect the history of such a historic area while providing new life to the hotel.

 

Interiors.

   

   

Entertaining.

Cuisine.

Photos via Palazzo Manfredi.

Happy Fall

Today is officially the first day of Fall. And I couldn't be more excited. Fall means pulling out the sweaters, drinking hot cider, and snuggling...to name a few! I only wish I lived in an area that experiences true seasons. Here in Los Angeles they just sort of blend together. 

In early October I will be heading up to the mountains for an extended weekend trip with my girl pals.  It has turned into an annual ritual that I look forward to each year. I always have such a good time just handing out with the girls.  No husbands or kids allowed! With the mountains on my mind I though I would share a couple of fabulous retreats. From mountain chic to casual comfort, I have each style covered. Which do you gravitate to?

Mountain Chic.
Interior Design by Kullman & Kravis

Casual Comfort.
Interior Design by Mimi London

Photography by David O. Marlo for Architectural Digest.

From My Desk to Yours...

If you read yesterday's post carefully you already knew that this post was coming. 

Here is my office space at home...it is a work in progress.  It is one of my favorite spaces! I share an office with Mr. B. and his desk is on the opposite side of the room.  His side of the office has a completely different vibe than mine. Think mid century modern...and it's way cool. Fortunately, the two styles mesh very well. The room is almost complete.  We just need to finish the cabinetry and a few minor details.

I hope you enjoy a glimpse inside our home.


I love having fresh flowers on my desk.

The painting was a "get well gift" from Mr. B a few years back. I have never framed it because it has moved around the house a few times. However, I think it has found a permanent home now.  One of my pen/pencil holders is actually a YSL make-up brush display from a now defunct I.Magnin store. The clock is from Pottery Barn. The little red book is one of my favorite desktop accessories. It is actually a Berlitz English/Italian dictionary from the 1950's. 

I found this brooch at a flea market and knew I had to have it. I definitely couldn't pass it up since it only cost a buck or two. I love the detail of the embossed leather and stylish gold monogram. I will never actually wear the brooch so it sits on my monogrammed notepad...it found a new life as a paper weight.

I had a lumbar pillow made for my desk chair with an oversized chenille houndstooth pattern. I love the fun, graphic look of the design. It keeps things from looking too serious.





Original photos by Mrs. B. 

A Life of Style with Rebecca Moses

Fashion designer Rebecca Moses has come back to the United States after spending many years in Italy. Her return is marked with the release of  her first book "A Life of Style" and new collection for her fashion line Heart Soul Style.

I just received the new book entitled "A Life of Style" when lo and behold the October issue of House Beautiful arrived on my doorstep.  Talk about perfect timing!  House Beautiful did a wonderful 4 page spread featuring the new book.  If I had not already seen the book the magazine article alone would have made me run out to buy it.

Each page of A Life of Style is wonderfully illustrated with Rebecca's own whimsical watercolors featuring topics such as fashion, home, and entertaining.  The book is light-hearted but is meant to inspire.  Rebecca takes you on a voyage of her own style journey while encouraging you to find your own. 

In the chapter entitled "What Defines a Home" Rebecca Moses states:

"Some people say home is where the heart is.  I say home is where there is heart, soul, and style."

Rebecca asks the question, "Are you a Desk-Setter?" and identifies the various types of writing spaces. I am not quite sure if I fall into any of these categories. Maybe you can figure it out for me. Hmmmm....sounds like a hint to an upcoming post, perhaps?

Rebecca Moses incorporated a fairy tale backdrop featuring oversized books and her fanciful drawings at Fashion Week in New York last week.  This marks the debut of her Spring 2011 ready to wear line. 

I love the look of the Fall 2010 advertising campaign.

The Heart Soul Style home collection.

Book photos via HSN and Mrs. B; Fashion Week photos via WWD; Advertisements and tabletop photos via Rebecca Moses twitter.

Happy Friday - Random Photo of the Day

With thoughts of Fall approaching it conjurs up images of fabulous feasts and family gatherings.  Obviously a big part of that is setting the table.  Mr. B and I have this beautiful set of neo-classical silverware reserved for special occassions.  But maybe we should pull the good stuff out and enjoy it everyday.  Do you use your good stuff every day or only on special occassions?

Barefoot Contessa: How Easy is That?

Over the weekend I received the October issue of Glamour Magazine.  Buried at the back of the magazine was a 3 page article entitled "How to Do Anything Better Guide" featuring the new cookbook by Ina Garten due out on October 26.  The article, also available here, features 4 easy recipes from the book that even I could make. And that is saying a lot!

Preorders available on Amazon

One of the recipes included in the upcoming book is White Chocolate Bark. This is one recipe I am definitely going to try.  When I think of chocolate bark I usually think of the chocolate peppermint version which I am not particularly a fan of.  However, I like Ina's version....particularly loving the fall colors of this dessert.

White Chocolate Bark
1/2 cup whole shelled salted pistachios
16 oz. good white chocolate, finely chopped
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup medium-diced dried apricots

Step 1.

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Using a pencil, draw an 8” x 10” rectangle on a piece of parchment paper. Turn the parchment paper over so the pencil mark doesn’t get on the chocolate, and place it on a sheet pan.

Step 2.
Place the pistachios in one layer on another sheet pan and bake for 8 minutes. Set aside to cool.

Step 3.

Place three quarters of the white chocolate in a heatproof glass bowl, and put it in the microwave on high for 30 seconds. (Time it with your watch for accuracy.) Stir the chocolate with a rubber spatula, return it to the microwave for another 30 seconds, then stir again. Continue to heat and stir in 30-second intervals until the chocolate is just melted. Immediately stir in the remaining chocolate and allow it to sit at room temperature, stirring often, until it’s completely smooth. (If you need to heat it a little more, put it in the microwave for another 15 seconds.)

Step 4.

Pour the melted chocolate onto the parchment paper and spread it lightly to fill the drawn rectangle. Sprinkle the top evenly with the cooled pistachios, the cranberries and apricots. Press the nuts and fruit lightly so they will set in the chocolate. Set aside for at least 2 hours until firm, or refrigerate for 20 minutes. Cut or break the bark into 16 pieces and serve at room temperature. Makes 16 pieces.

Enjoy!

Photos and recipe via Glamour Magazine reprinted from Barefoot Contessa: How Easy is That? by Ina Garten. Photographs by Quentin Bacon.

Bottega Veneta: Let them dress your nest

Bottega Veneta is one of my favorites for leather goods.  And if money were no object,  I would have Bottega Veneta dress my nest. Or at least my tabletop.  Here are a few images from the Fall/Winter 2010/11 catalog.

A few years back, Bottega Veneta collaborated with German porcelain manufacturer Koenigliche Porzellan-Manufaktur, also know as KPM. 

"Every piece is shaped by hand and meticulously hand-painted with a border inspired by Bottega Veneta's signature intrecciato weave. This year, Bottega Veneta and KPM have expanded the collection, adding new items including breakfast settings with complete coffee and tea services. Deep bowls have also been added to enhance the functionality of the line." - via Bottega Veneta.

Although the following two pictures are not food or dining related I had a hard time not including them because I thought they were just so fabulous.  They have an urban but slightly masculine feel which I am particularly drawn to these days.

Scott's Seafood Restaurant & Bar

I typically don't go to seafood restaurants because I don't like fish.  However, I do enjoy shellfish.  Bring on the shrimp, crab, lobster, and scallops any day.  I have passed by Scott's Seafood Restaurant & Bar in Orange County, California countless times over the years but have never dined there until a few days ago. I went with an open mind not knowing what to expect and of course I carefully looked over their menu on-line before venturing out.  After all, I wanted to make sure there was something on the menu that I would enjoy.  I have to admit I was amazed at the impeccable service and delicious food. The meal was amazing and the presentation was beautiful.  We can't wait to go back.

The dining room of the restaurant has a very coastal chic, comfortable feel with a mix of tables and booths. I thought that the leather on what could be an ordinary rattan dining chair was a nice design touch. Obviously, a design well thought out.

These petite glass lamps are at every booth. Very modern.

The open kitchen with a beautiful display of copper cookware.

The restaurant also has a dedicated lounge known as The Murano Bar.  It is appropriately named after the Murano glass chandelier, a focal point of the room.  The Murano Bar has a completely different vibe: chic and completely modern.

Sriracha shrimp pasta with scallions, shishito peppers, fresh tomatoes.

Roasted Maine sea scallops with salsa verde and evo emulsion.

Truffle mac and cheese.  Total comfort food.

Dark chocolate brick with roasted bananas, carmel, praline crunch, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Isn't this so very sculptural?

Homemade crepe hankerchiefs with oranges, agave nectar, grand marnier, and marscapone cheese.

Scotts Restaurant & Bar

3300 Bristol Street

Costa Mesa, CA 

(714) 979-2400