Lorien and I love a good cocktail, so naturally we’re excited about the Eddy!  This new cocktail bar opened in Providence and we can’t keep away.  Jay Carr and his team of bartenders know what they’re doing when it comes to the libations.  And it helps that it’s a block away from our office.  I can’t think of a better place to wander into after a long day of work, particularly when you’re ready for someone else to take care you.  You don’t even have to put much thought into ordering, because their Bartender’s Choice option on the menu has you covered.  Jay – the brains behind the operation – mixes up custom drinks based on your preference.  Order the Bartender’s Choice and you’ll be asked a few simple questions about what type of spirits you enjoy, ‘citrusy’ or ‘boozy’….from there on out it’s easy going, just sit back and enjoy.  Jay says, ‘So as far as the inspiration for a bartenders choice, that’s where the customer comes in to play. We ask you specific questions to see what your particular tastes are and how adventurous you want to get and tailor a cocktail to that.’

Joanna ordered: Go figure that I order the drink titled ‘The Boozy Drink’.  After the week I’ve had, not surprising at all.  I told Jay I’m game for just about anything (but not quite ready for the egg in the cocktail).  He served me up this tasty concoction of rye whiskey, vermouth, bitters, and more.  The drink was smooth and had the tiniest sweetness to balance the bitters and citrus, but certainly not a sweet drink (I’m not typically a fan of sweet cocktails).  A bit dangerous really – I could see this drink creeping up on me after I’ve ordered a few.  Thankfully the Eddy has a simple but tasty offering of small plates and snacks to accompany their cocktail menu.  With items like pickles and pretzels on the menu – I’m an easy sell.  I’m going to try my hand at this cocktail at home.  I think it would make a great drink for a party.

Here’s the recipe:

Boozy drink

• 2 oz. old overholt rye whiskey
• .5 oz. averna
• .5 oz. carpano antica formula sweet vermouth
• 1 barspoon luxardo maraschino liqueur
• 1 dash regan’s orange bitters
• stir on ice, servers up in a coupe with a lemon twist.

It was delicious, refreshing, and just strong enough to forget the stresses of the day.  What else could I really want.  Perfect, thank you Jay!

Lorien ordered: the Eddy has become one of my new favorite places to go for drinks because you know you’re in good hands. Each drink is thoughtfully and expertly made. The combination of flavors they create are unique and complex, they make it easy to step out of my comfort zone and order new drinks I’ve never tried before (they also have a nice selection of beer and wine). This is why I never get nervous about ordering the Bartender’s Choice.

In the spirit of the warm weather, I asked Jay for something citrusy and bright. I wanted something light, something that I could potentially drink all Summer long and with just a few words from me, Jay got it. He made a delicious drink that was citrusy, floral, light, sweet but definitely not too sweet (which I loved/wanted). The drink was complex and all the flavors blended so perfectly together, but you could still taste each ingredient. Every time I sipped I got a burst of the lime, followed up a hint of the basil, each sip was delicious! Thanks Jay!

Here’s the recipe:

Basil Cocktail

• 1.5 oz. square one basil vodka
• .5 oz. simple syrup
• .75 oz. fresh lime juice
• .25 oz. green chartreuse
• 1 dash lavender bitters
• shaken on ice and served up in a coupe

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OK – I’m almost back living in my house (it’s been under construction for almost two weeks and move-in is Friday), and I’m longing to cook a meal, spend time with friends, and sleep in my own bed.  I’m missing my creature comforts….particularly during this busy time of year – every weekend seems to be taken up with a wedding, a trip to here or there, or out-of-town guests.  These are the events that make summer so exciting and so exhausting at the same time.  And as if I need another obligation on my plate, I’ve decided to host a birthday BBQ for Ben and I (our birthdays are a week apart in July).  I really love entertaining, so it’s really something I’m looking forward to.  I’ve already started thinking about the menu, and with the garden in full bloom at that time, I’ll likely make everything from scratch, including my BBQ sauce.  After checking out a bunch of recipes – it turns out BBQ sauce is really simple to make, and easy to customize to your own liking (plus the homemade sauce can be made without the high fructose corn syrup most store bought varieties have).  I’m going to try a variation of this recipe for Sweet and Tangy BBQ sauce from the Kitchn.   I may add some fresh hot peepers (jalapenos or serranos) from the garden.

It’s such a simple recipe, I thought – why not make a huge batch, buy a few inexpensive glass bottles here, and send guests away with their own BBQ sauce party favors.  I love the idea of people taking a small token away, and particularly if it’s something that inspires more BBQ’s.

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I tend to listen to the same band/artist/track over and over again (just ask my old college roommates) but since I’m taking a few long car rides this summer, including one this weekend, I’m on mission to hunt down new bands. I came across these two great videos (great for different reasons) on my music search, one from The Vinyl Factory’s new series and one from The Black Cab Sessions, I couldn’t help myself and I just had to share:

The Vinyl Factory’s “Behind the Counter” – A recent discovery and I’m already hooked. “Behind The Counter” interviews record shops who share their top 5 vinyl releases of the week. I love that the format of this series is in video and I think it will become a great source for music for both my record and online collection. Only one video in the series so far (that I can find), I already can’t wait for more videos/more recommendations (check out Kit Grill).

Black Cab Sessions – I love the concept of this series, live performances from talented bands who perform in the back of the cab. Bands do a stripped down versions of their songs and so the performance is very intimate. They have big names along with newer bands, including John C. Reilly! Did you know he could sing? And well?

Where else should I be looking to find new music?

Top image.

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Last night over dinner, four women of different generations had the discussion about wearing white. The two eldest still stuck by the “wear white after Memorial day” while the youngest, a recent high school grad, never even heard of that rule. My rule for wearing white is usually to not to, regardless if it’s before or after Memorial Day, because I don’t trust myself to not spill. But these ladies have inspired me to think twice about changing my rule and wearing white jeans….

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Ok, I’m having a major indecisive moment (not surprising), and I can’t seem to commit to a new lighting fixture for my living room/dining room.  I’m over thinking it, and I may have just reached the point where I need to walk away and let someone else choose.  The six here are what I’ve managed to narrow it down to.  I thought for sure I’d be picking one from my fave Schoolhouse Electric, but then I found a few others that I like too….ahhhhh – which do you think will look best in my living room?  The walls are being painted a warm grey, the ceilings are rather high, and there is natural brick exposed nearby.  This particular fixture will be hanging nearly over the dining table (but not perfectly centered which makes me shy away from the pendants a little??) What do you think?

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For this week’s ‘That’s What She Said’ Joanna and I are picking our favorite recipes that are perfect to take on a picnic. These recipes are not only delicious but easy to make and easy to travel with. With the warm weather, hopefully, here to stay, I know these recipes are going to be in our repertoire for a long time.

Lorien’s Picks: I wanted recipes that were easy to make, things I could easily whip up on a whim and items that would travel well (or easy assembly). A good quiche or frittata recipe is always a good one to have on hand, and I thought this Zucchini Ricotta Cheesecake from 101 cookbooks similar to a frittata but …. a little more heavenly since it has a ricotta batter as the basis. The zucchini and dill will for sure lighten it up. Can not wait to try.

Between the pistachios, snow peas and english peas, what attracted me to this salad was the crunch factor (would also be a wonderful side dish to the Zucchini Ricotta Cheesecake). A simple salad, I love that there are raisins and honey to add sweetness, and lemon to brighten it up… this Three Pea Salad by The Forest Feast is a go-to for the warmer months.

While humus with pita bread, olives and veggies is a no brainer for a picnic, for my next picnic I want to try this Spicy Red Lentil Spread made with red lentils and sriracha from The First Mess.

When I was putting together this post, I asked a few of my friends around me if they would be interested in these Little Apricot Cakes by Bon Appetit at a picnic, and everyone gave a VERY LOUD YES, followed up with a when can we have the picnic. These would work with apricots or plums depending on the season, both sound delicious to me.

What’s a picnic without a refreshing drink. I love this recipe from for it’s simplicity… 1 part Romy’s Pineapple Mint Syrup, 2 parts Prosecco and mint to garnish. It’s a reipce that can easily be made for a crowd or for two.

Joanna says: What makes a recipe particularly good for a picnic?  Hmm….well, I’d say it should hold up to traveling, hot temps, it can be prepared ahead of time, and it’s not too heavy (to eat or carry).  I can’t think of a recipe that fits the bill more perfectly than this Watermelon Salad with Mint and Lime (and cayenne) from Food and Wine.  It’s easy and inexpensive to make, can be prepared the day before, and travels well.  This and a refreshing beer sound like the perfect way to start off a picnic. 

I love carrots raw, and even better when they’ve been marinating in a dressing of citrus, herbs and garlic.  I’m guessing this Sunshine Carrot Salad from Good Things Grow is tastiest the next day, which makes it perfect for a picnic.  Prepare ahead of time, grab and go.

I would enjoy these Spicy Lentil Summer Rolls from the Sprouted Kitchen just about anywhere and anytime.  They have cilantro, grated beets and carrots, lentils, sriracha, and sesame oil.  Yum!  I would leave out the avocado for the picnic (doesn’t travel well), and instead maybe incorporate a peanut sauce.

Chicken salad is a no-brainer for a picnic, and chicken salad can wear so many hats.  This recipe for Chicken Salad with Blue Cheese and Grapes from Food and Winepacks together a whole bunch of strong flavors (grapes and blue cheese are so good together), so no need to make a sandwich (bread will get soggy).  Just bring a fork and some crackers.

It’s nice to have a little sweet to finish things off, and chocolate isn’t exactly the best thing to pack in warm weather.  These Lemongrass Squares with Coconut Shortbread from Simply Scratch sound absolutely amazing.  Picnic or not, these are on my list to try.

Top image from Oh Happy Day

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With all the chatter about the newest Gatsby movie, I can’t help but want to revisit the book.  Being a big fan of the novel, I’m having a difficult time buying into this uber modern Baz Luhrmann version.  I’ve heard mixed reviews, and the one’s that have surprised me come from critics who thought they’d hate the film, but walked away from the screen impressed and surprised.  Part of me wants to give it a chance, and allow myself to be pleasantly surprised too, but to be honest, I’ve never really enjoyed Luhrmann’s style, and I’m afraid he could ruin my interpretation of the book.

I’ve always been such a visual person, so naturally when I read a novel every place has a landscape, every face has characteristics (I think I subconsciously fill in the details left out by the author).  I need to be able to picture every detail as the story unfolds.  For this reason, cover art has always been hugely important when choosing an edition.  Similar to how I shop for wine by the label (bad habit), I pick my books by the cover, and continuously refer back to it as I make my way through the story.   My first time reading Gatsby I read the version above, the classic painting by Francis Cugat, which was commissioned before the book was completed, and was beloved by Fitzgerald – so much so that it’s been said he wrote it into the book.

The second time I read the story I read the edition above (on the bottom right).  What a different experience….maybe it was the cover art, maybe it’s the nature of years past in-between readings.  Who knows – probably both.  Of all the covers I found in my search (here, here, and here), right now I’m liking the one above (on the bottom left).  I think I’d like to have that one in my collection.  Is it strange to collect multiple copies of the same book just for the cover art?  I don’t think so, but I also collect milk bottle caps.

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Food and Wine Magazine’a latest issue is all about grilling and they shared some pretty tasty recipes, including a pretty brilliant idea: Char in a bottle. Ok, the name is less than desirable, but char in bottle is really charred-leek oil. They say charring leeks and stepping them in oil will create a charred-leek oil that will “give any food a fantastic fire-roasted flavor”.

I’m excited to try play around with it this summer. It sounds amazing on roasted potatoes, corn on the cob, seafood tacos…. what else? To have that grilled (always put you in a great summer mood) flavor in a jar, yes please.

How to make Char in a Bottle, via Food and Wine Magazine:
Grill leeks until they’re thoroughly blackened
Then grind them up and steep the powdered leek ash in oil overnight
Strain

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I know people who are making a move cross country soon, they will be driving from the east coast to the west coast with the goal of making as few stops as possible. So I thought I would make a little care package for them to help ease the stress and boredom that could come with driving cross country. I picked items that would help pass the time (interesting and fun audio books), a little homemade treat (I found this recipe in the latest issue of Food and Wine and can’t wait to try …brown butter and pistachio, sounds heavenly), and things that would make the car ride and hotel rooms more comfortable (blanket, pillow for the neck and a nice smelling candle).

I also thought a sleek coffee mug that would fit in any cup holder would be ideal, hopefully it will help keep the mess of empty cups to a minimum. And on the less glamourous side of things, I would also add a thing of Advil or Tylenol, and maybe some Pepto Bismol just in case they eat a lot of fast food.

1. Dark Chocolate Espresso Beans, Dean & Deluca
2. Brown Butter Pistachio Financiers, Food and Wine
3. Audio Books – Tinker, Tailer, Solider, Spy and Bossypants, wbur.org
4. Therapedic™ Memory Touch Neck Pillow, Bed Bath and Beyond
5. Stainless Steel Slender Tumbler and gift card, Starbucks
6. Room Essentials® Microfleece Blanket, Target
7. Decorative Tin Candle, Beauty.com
8. Sunday Crossword Puzzles: 50 Sunday Puzzles from the Pages of the New York Times, Barnes and Noble

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Worishofer 505 / Sweedish Hasbeens / Madewell Mini Wedge / Crossed Wedges

Today’s weather is gorgeous! Dry, mid-70′s, sunny, just perfect.  Of course with days like these, my mind wanders to my summer wardrobe, and what I’m missing.  I’m due for a new pair of summer sandals and these four are on the tip top of my list.  Deciding is going to be the hard part…I want a pair of each…

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