Predictable?

I'm sorry I haven't been blogging as regularly as I probably should. This past week has been filled with many dinners and food and drink related events as it was my birthday and we celebrated our anniversary all in the same week. Clearly it is the same week every year, and it is always an exhausting, gluttonous, and of course enjoyable whirlwind. That said, I have a lot to catch up on. I'll try to post as much as I can this week about dinners at Babbo, Chanterelle, and 11 Madison Park.

This post is a tribute to my predictability...or else my husband's keen understanding of the woman he married. Either way he picked the absolutely perfect gifts for my birthday.



Some highlights...

Mariage Freres Teas: Have tried the Buddha Bleu and the Eros. I loved each one for their perfect subtleness and smooth flavor.

Walnut Oil from J. Leblanc: The same place that I got the Hazelnut Oil and the best vinegar I've ever had(which reminds me that I need to post about the asparagus with hazelnut oil that I made).

The Silver Spoon Cookbook: Sort of the Italian version of the Joy of Cooking. Other then recipes for lights (lamb lungs) and some of the other varietal meats, I can't wait to get cracking on this book.

The Physiology of Taste by Brillat-Savarin: Another foodie must read translated by MFK Fisher. A tidbit from the first page, "Tell me what you eat, and I will tell you what you are." Sound familiar?

Heat: Bill Buford tells his experience of spending a year in Mario Batali's kitchen at Babbo

Robert Sinsky Pinot Noir: First had this at French Laundry and love it for its flavor but also because of how it makes me remember one of the most perfect meals I have ever had.