We always remember our first impressions. They are pure and reverberate for all time. I remember my first impression of Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio when I was home from school for the holidays. I toured the Home and Studio then since I was a casual admirer of Frank Lloyd Wright, the Prairie School … Continue reading Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio
An ancient ponda frog jumps inthe sound of water—Matsuo Basho This is a universally accepted western translation of the original Japanese haiku from 1686. It is regarded as one of Basho’s best short poems for its faithful devotion to the 5-7-5 pattern, and most importantly its capture of the Japanese reverence for nature. Japanese art … Continue reading Anderson Japanese Gardens
It was Saturday, but we had two for the time. A crossover, a mashup, it’s two for the show. Three to get ready and four to go. Never for the money, always for the love. Scroll down to see more photos and read more about Hahn’s Bakery x Graham’s 318 Coffee House. “The Mixed Berry … Continue reading Hahn’s Bakery x Graham’s 318 Coffee House
There are countless ways to dine. Besides the conventional, guests can have food cooked tableside or on their table, they can cook their own food, meals can be enjoyed under simulated thunderstorms, or food can be playfully tossed into open mouths, with everyone agape in amazement. I have but I don’t want any more. I … Continue reading Sushi Station
When the pressure is on, some fold up like a cheap lawn chair. Others spring to life. Danny Trejo endured pressures, obstacles and challenges. And that’s putting it lightly. But he crushed them all, his gentle smile always warm and welcoming. His new cookbook, Trejo’s Tacos, details his inspiring life story and offers 75 authentic recipes … Continue reading Trejo’s Tacos
It’s almost time for Mardi Gras. I don’t want your tacky beads or tchotchke souvenir tall glasses. Show me your Coffee and Chicory; and, while you’re at it, let me see your Beignets. If my aim is true, then I must point the way to Cafe Du Monde. “Hey, Joe. You wanna give it a go?” … Continue reading Cafe Du Monde
“In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer.” —Albert Camus Every year, the day after the summer solstice, I feel a little sadness. Why? Because the days are getting shorter. Every year, the day after the winter solstice, I “rage, rage against the dying of the light.*” What? The … Continue reading Clark & Sheffield
Have you ever held a snow globe and wondered at the magical world in the palm of your hand? Marveled at the details? Imagined the life of its citizens? And been captivated by the glittery sparkles? Be part of the scene in the snow globe. And believe. Scroll down to see more photos and read … Continue reading Vintage Holidays in Long Grove
(Needle drop.) Germany! Beer! Sausage! Mustard! Sauerkraut! Oktoberfest! Christkindlesmarkt! Coffee. (Vinyl scratch.) To all other coffee purveyors, Achtung! Scroll down to see more photos and read more about Tchibo Coffee. “Mmm…the Dark Roast is nice and strong. Oh, this is delicious. I really like this black. I’ve actually never seen this before. I need to get … Continue reading Tchibo Coffee
Picture this. It’s July. You know. Sunny, hot, muggy, buggy, and… …Halloween pop-up stores(?). And this. It’s August. You know. Still sunny, hot, muggy, buggy, and… …pumpkin lattes(!). This too. It’s September. You know you know. Dusky, mellow, comfortable, pleasant, and… …holiday pre-preview extravaganzas?!? Let’s sit down for an easy drink, and enjoy the season. There’s … Continue reading Fall Cocktail Recipes
The Simple Luxuries 