Summer glimpse

Reminiscing on one of the purest, most peaceful, clear water destinations I got to visit this summer- more to come babes!

Cod & corn chowder

Now that the weather gets colder (at least here), we are all up for consuming all kinds of soups;)
Lately, I found this recipe and thought I'd give it a try..and it did not disappoint at all. When you've run out of ideas of what you could possibly do with some left over cod pieces lying around in your freezer, this is the one to try: Cod & corn chowder. 

Kids love chowder when we get to order it while eating out and the addition of the oyster crackers completes the bill (look: fun part). Restaurants usually make it with clams and/or other types of sea "species" but using cod just make it an easy and fulfilling alternative. And that makes life better, right?


Cod & corn chowder

Ingredients

3 slices center-cut bacon
8 scallions/green onions, thinly sliced
1 1/2 teaspoons finely chopped garlic
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 medium Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut in 1/2-inch dice
2 cups 2 percent milk
2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh thyme
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3/4 pound cod, skin removed, chopped
2 1/2 cups cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
1/4 cup fat-free half-and-half (I used cream)

1. 
   

Preparation

In a large saucepan, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp, 6 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate; crumble. In same pan, sauté half of the scallions for 2 minutes. Add garlic; sauté 1 minute. Add flour; cook, stirring frequently, 2 minutes. Stir in potatoes, milk, broth, thyme, salt and pepper; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer 10 minutes. Stir in fish, corn and 2/3 bacon; simmer 5 minutes. Stir in half-and-half and 3/4 scallion greens; simmer 2 minutes. Ladle into bowls and garnish with remaining scallion greens and bacon. Add oyster crackers on top!

Bon Apetit!

Wanna

1/ experience the taste of a colorful candy mixtape
2/ browse through the pages of Nomas magazine
3/ listen to Kelela's new album again and again
4/ not wait long for Arket online in the US
5/ try out handmade pasta at A mano
6/ new make-up style techniques
SaveSave

Music of the day

This time it's from Gorillaz whom I had the pleasure to watch play live for the first time last week:) They were remarkably good, the setlist was such a surprise and in perfect flow..no wonder why I've been a huge fan of this guy from the very beginning of his carreer-the man is geniuuusss

They played songs off of all their albums, played Some kind of Nature/the collab with Lou Reed, for the first time in seven years, had many guest appearances (Peven Everett, you're out of this planet!) AND played Busted & Blue live which was a huge surprise to me, but apparently it is everyone's favorite (who would have thought?)

I absolutely love this song-probably my favorite of the latest album which album by the way I simply adore more and more every time I listen to it-

This is Atlanta's setlist c/o @Chaos.Archon:

..and some photos c/o Taste area for your sake:)

*Busted & Blue live from Merriweather Post Pavillion Columbia, MD c/o Jim Powers 

Best margarita recipe

I just found the perfect margarita recipe you guys! So, if you love margaritas or if you love Taco Tuesdays accompanied by a good margarita or if you just want a new cocktail recipe to try out, it is here for you to share:)


Margarita

ice cubes
3 oz tequila, (I use Cazadores blanco tequila which I love)
2 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
1 oz simple syrup
1 tablespoon lime-salt-sugar

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add tequila, lime juice, Simple Syrup. Cover and shake until mixed and chilled, about 30 seconds. (In general, the drink is ready by the time the shaker mists up.) Place Lime-salt-sugar on a plate. Press the rim of a chilled rocks or wine glass into the mixture to rim the edge. Strain margarita into the glass.

*Simple Syrup

1 cup sugar
1 cup water

Put the sugar and water in a small saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring, until the sugar dissolves. Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 1 month. 

*Lime-salt-sugar

zest of 1 lime
2 tablespoons kosher salt
2 tablespoons sugar

Blend together lime, salt and sugar in a small blender or mini food chopper.

Tip: Remember to strain margarita into the glass:) no need to put the ice cubes in or it will become watery and it will ruin the whole taste

Cheers!

The most perfect digital invites

in collaboration with Anagram Interactive

These last days is all about making plans for our youngest kiddo's 6th birthday, which by the way coincides with Halloween time(!)-that's indeed the perfect combo to a kid's celebration, don't you think? We usually go with online invites, we find it easier, less time consuming and most of all ecological. So, I've been searching for online invitations with that extra "je ne sais quoi" to send to his friends & families. When I was asked to try the Paperless Post digital services I knew what my final choice would be for little P's birthday:)

There is a huge selection of invitations to choose from, covering entertaining themes for every occasion and most importantly you can customize your selections with different colors, fonts, logos or even put your own photo to make it more personal. I like it when you can be a bit more creative and make it your own:) The customization section is such an easy process and you can actually change from the backdrop of the card to the color of the envelope and its liner patterns, even the stamp and postmark itself(!)

The illustrations are the coolest and they cover every style from minimal designs to more fine art themes, depending on your moods :)

You can also find numerous designer collection cards which are fantastic! Ashkahn, Mary Katrantzou, Rifle Paper Co, Kate Spade, Marimekko and The Indigo Bunting are some of my very favorites.

Little P. is most probably going to go with one of the cutest Halloween theme related cards for his birthday invites, one with which we dearly fell in love, from one of our favorites: Rifle Paper Co.

Add your favorite cards to your Paperless Post box and further experiment with coloring and backdrops so as to give the card a bit of a boost and match it to your personal style and needs :) This is one of my attempts to make one of our favorites pop..

I mean..how much cuteness can fit in a card?

Make sure to check them out :)

Music of the day

Such a current favorite..and such a summery one..extending a bit more the summer vibes for us people-from one of my favorite bands

Can't wait to see them live here :)

!!! (Chk Chk Chk) - 'The One 2'

Music of the day

Currently one of my favorite tunes-
Desire-Don't call

Music of the day

One of my favorites from Underworld, Always Loved a Film

Wanna

1/ check this Capsule 24 collection jumper by Maje

2/ taste coffee at this place

3/ read this book and all about decluttering

4/ make peinirli

5/ ride this bike

6/ listen to the latest from Banks

Music of the day

Been back and can't wait to watch this city's new series, Atlanta, that's gonna air soon, mainly due to this guy..Childish Gambino aka Danny Glover/xx

Childish Gambino - Hold You Down is for the music of the day guys..

Take me there

...at the Rockhouse, Negril, Jamaica for lounging and diving from its cliffs and overlooking the waters of the Carribean sea alongside with some coconut and rum sipping, what more do YOU need really?

Rockhouse

West End Road

Negril, Jamaica

The little things

/Santa Monica beach views/

/these plates from Leah Reena Goren/

/morning coffees/

/linen curtains/

/sour cream enchiladas/

/architecture/

/garden flowers/

Orzo with bacon and summer vegetables

This is one of the most summery dishes. It is so light yet so flavorful and delicious, perfect for all you pasta lovers out there! Easy to make and a nice way to substitute any other kind of pasta with orzo, it pairs so well with the rest of the ingredients. Enjoy it with a glass of wine!


Orzo with bacon and summer vegetables (adapted from Bev cooks)

4 strips bacon, cut into small chunks
1/2 small red onion, diced
1/2 small white onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 scallions, finely diced
1 Tbs. lemon zest
3 sprigs fresh thyme
1 tsp freshly chopped sage
1 pinch crushed red or green pepper flakes
1 cup frozen or fresh peas
3 – 4 roma tomatoes, chopped
1 cup broccoli florets
1 1/2 cup orzo
coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
fresh basil and parmesan cheese (optional but omg, do it)

Render the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat, until crispy. Remove bacon pieces with a slotted spoon and place on some paper towels to drain. Drain all but 2 Tbs. bacon fat. Add the onions to the pan and sauté until they start to soften, 4 minutes. Add the garlic, scallions, lemon zest, thyme and sage to the skillet. Season with the crushed pepper and a little salt. Sauté another minute, or until that mix is pretty fragrant. Add the tomatoes, broccoli and peas to the pan. The juice from the tomatoes will create a very light sauce, so you’ll simmer the mix until the veggies soften, 5 minutes. You may add a little water to help it along if you want! In the meantime, boil the orzo until al dente, just a few minutes. Reserve a few Tbs. of the pasta water and drain the rest. Add the bacon back to the pan. Add the cooked orzo to the pan and give everything a good toss. If you need to add a little pasta water for a little more “sauce,” go right ahead. Check the seasonings and garnish with fresh basil and parmesan cheese. Dive on in.

The little things

/beautiful blossomings all over the streets currently/

/lobster rolls making a picnic time/

/playing Photo Booth silliness time at school/

/garden flowers in a small vase/

/pretty ceramic stuff by Threshold/

/shoe observations/

/yellowfin tuna poke at Drift/

The little things

/anniversary tulips and their awkward movements/

/flowery dresses/

/flowery covers/

/making chocolate truffles with rum/

/pink celebrations/

The starman

I was really shocked when I heard the tragic news on David Bowie a few days back. I really couldn't believe it and my thoughts were immediately gone almost twenty years back when I was lucky enough to see him perform live in Athens, Greece. He was leading a festival whose rest of the cast were Lou Reed (!) and Elvis Costello and I will literally never ever ever ever forget the moment he appeared on stage. Honestly, and probably due to the young of my age at that time-so don't you blame me- I didn't have great expectations of the line-up of that day. Now, and every time I have a discussion on Mr. D, I cannot but admit how completely taken I was that day by his whole "god-like" appearance/performance, a memory that's permanently stuck with me and will never fade as the years go by.. 

Music of the day

Such a great tune from a few years back, wanna listen to it everyday now-
Lauryn Hill/Ex Factor

West coast

Happy new year everyone!!!!! I hope you all had a great holiday time, full of good rest and a load of  fulfilling, mouthwatering tastes ;) 

We decided to visit LA this time of year for a few days and we really had a blast! We stayed at the Line which was more than anyone can ask (and a wish come true), we rented a car and went ahead to absorb everything we could :) 

We knew however we wanted to keep it relatively low with the activities and kind of laid back (after all it is the holidays my friends), although it’s kind of impossible to do in a city like this, and added some kid friendly things on the “menu" so the kids can enjoy it as much as we would. The truth is they had such a great time they didn’t want to take the flight back to the East coast..

Here are some photos of the trip if you’d like to see and those make it probably the longest post I've written..:b

Venice beach: loooooots of palm trees along with some of the best sunsets are happening here(and I'm sure these basketball courts on the last photo remind you of some movie scenes)

souvlaki (!) in Venice beach, yeah baby.

The wheel in Santa Monica and our pacific park rides consisting of a party of: a 4 year old afraid of NOTHING, a 7 year old "barely beginning" to have some fears, a dad who's trying not to have fears and a mom who's afraid of almost EVERYTHING has to do with roller coasting stuff (you should have seen me at the rollercoaster itself) -> so much fun! 

I had so much fun in these and actually tried to figure out when was the last time I had similar rides..really doesn't get any better if you want to bring out your inner child (A, we should make it a regular). That day, we had a burger here which was delish and then we headed for a milkshake and ice cream

part of the Walt Disney concert hall which I loved and..

part of the Broad museum where I wasn't lucky enough to visit

coffee and brunch at Ledlow, such a nice place 

the sun sets above the city 

Compartes chocolates and other stuff, at Poketo

getting stamped at the Melrose flea market and having baked donuts at Fonuts

getting the most unbelievable shrimps and crawfish -to go (hence they had sold out of the rest!) at the Boiling crab---

 trying out the pastrami sandwich at Canter's deli

taking the road to Malibu, leaving our marks on the sand and seeing one of the most breathtaking sunsets melting in the Pacific ocean

the Christmas tree at the Grove and train rides for the four of us (also trying to get a decent photo of all the four of us will never happen)

pizza from Pizzeria Mozza and

..just the best sushi from Sugarfish

breakfast at the Commissary, really beautiful space, I loved all the tableware and table settings, nice atmosphere-food a bit overpriced

went to Grand central market which I loved and had a waffle..

I chose to take a photo with the star of Donna Summer (!) among others..

messy, delicious & spicy dinner at the Pot

paid a visit at the best pastry shop in LA, according to many of the Angelenos

bought some comics and hung out in one of my favorite LA places 

..sat outside and tasted some brilliant tapas kind of plates at Baco Mercat, so good, so well cooked- some plates were the definition of comfort food, at least for my kinds of comfort fooding/slourp

photobombed by the youngest gal of the family..and yes, we managed to enter Amoeba music (!), the temple of music as I call, can you imagine that there was an actual line of cars waiting to get into Amoeba's parking while the second one was already full? Even in my wildest dreams would I have imagined that in 2015 there would still be so many crazy people eager to visit a record store! You know what? I wrote record store (it sells lots of other music things though), is this a sign that records are coming strong again? Nah..

last but not least: noone will ever be hurt by the awesomeness of these burgers, can't get -and I won't get- the taste out of my mouth- We already miss you LA..till next time.

I can't help but wondering my dear readers: what part of the world have you visited for the holidays?