Sunday, October 21, 2012

21 October 2012







We had a very full, but fun, weekend! It was picture-perfect when it comes to Fall in North Georgia. On Friday night, we had our friends, Josh and Vanessa Brackett over to the Side Porch for the first time. Carmen Slaughter joined us for a fun evening. We dined on North Georgia grass fed burgers, lemon oregano potatoes and Vanessa's delicious black eye pea salad. We talked about every possible topic, laughed, listened to good music and relished the fellowship of enlightened friends.

On Saturday, we were treated to a bonfire and outdoor dinner at Laine and Bill Wood's beautiful home, "The Treehouse." A great group of friends gathered around the ring of fire for hot dogs, great side dishes, s'mores and lots of laughter. We tried to spot meteors, and joined in song for Johnny Cash's Ring of Fire. It was great, great fun, and a perfect way to welcome the cool Fall night.

Today started out slow but gathered spontaneous momentum. It was a drop dead gorgeous day, so we felt the need to do something outside. Serendipity ruled the day! On a whim, we decided to visit Gibbs Garden in Ball Ground. The wonderful gardens on over 200 acres are 30 years in the making. The visionary garden designer, Jim Gibbs, greeted us personally at the reception area and explained the map of the grounds to us. This destination is simply jaw-dropping gorgeous! Every where you look, the plants and landscape design is impeccable. Some of the highlights included the Japanese Garden, exact replica of Monet's bridge and the Manor House. We can't wait to return in the Spring to witness over 50 million daffodils in bloom!

On our way back from Gibbs, we decided to stop by Sharp Mountain Vineyard. Luckily, Jeff's parents were on their way back from Dahlonega, so they met us there for a tasting. We chatted with the owners and wine maker and enjoyed the last bottle of their 2010 Cabernet Franc. While I had not planned on cooking tonight, I had a last minute inspiration on the way home. For some reason, I decided to make Croque-Monsieur's for Sunday Supper. I paired the French ham and cheese sandwiches with an organic cauliflower and parmesan soup. Jeff took some of the last peppers from the garden and stuffed them with some smoked string cheese for a delicious appetizer. I paired dinner with a 2010 Collage from Sharp Mountain which is a North Georgia Bordeaux. Our simple Sunday Supper was a gracious ending to a phenomenal weekend.

As Iris Dement has been serenading, go ahead and go home!

Bon Appetit!

The Menu:

- Croque-Monsieurs

- Organic Cauliflower and Parmesan Soup

- Sharp Mountain Vineyard's 2010 Collage (North Georgia Bordeaux)


Sunday, October 14, 2012

14 October 2012



The week was long and busy, and the weekend was not a lot different. I was in New York City on Monday and Tuesday for a client presentation. Everything went great, but I wished there was more time to enjoy the city. I did get one of my favorite things, an authentic New York bagel! There are not better bagels in the world, and it always provides some familiar comfort in Gotham. The rest of the week was a blur, but it is great being busy again. The weekend began on Friday with a great art exhibit opening at the Cherokee Arts Center. Afterward, our friends Sandy, Gary, John and Cory joined us on the Side Porch for a nightcap. We talked, laughed and listened to Barbra Streisand's new CD. "Release Me." It contains previously unreleased tracks from her personal vault, yes she has one, dating from 1963 – 2010. I have been mesmerized with the CD since it was released on Tuesday, and I especially enjoyed listening on my return flight from NYC. At 70 years old, she is truly a national treasure, and that voice...

 Despite the hectic workweek, my heart was heavy with thoughts of my dear friend, Amado, and his partner Steve. They went to Colorado earlier in the week to be with Amado's sister, Maria Christina, who is about to pass away from cancer. I was fortunate to meet Christina a couple of times when she visited, and she is a great soul. As of tonight, she is still with us, but the transition is expected any moment. Steve flew back to Atlanta yesterday to take care of business, and I picked him up at the airport and drove him home to Blue Ridge. Despite the circumstances, it was great to spend some personal time with him. True friends are to be treasured. While in Blue Ridge, I stopped by Mercier Orchards to get some local apples! It is the peak of apple harvest, and I had to have a few! So for tonight's Sunday Supper, I had to find a way to incorporate them into the menu. I have been craving pasta with brown butter and sage sauce for a few weeks, so tonight I submitted to the urge. I have always enjoyed the Atlanta restaurant, Soto Soto, and on of my favorite dishes is Tortelli di Michelangelo, ravioli based on a recipe from Michelangelo's personal letters. I could not find the exact recipe, so I improvised. It does contain veal, pork and chicken and is served with brown butter sage sauce. I incorporated the Georgia apples into the filling, and it worked out great! When we were preparing for our yard sale a few weeks ago, I found my pasta machine! I bought it a few years ago and used it once, so I spent the afternoon making homemade pasta for the ravioli. It was very relaxing and therapeutic! I made the pasta from scratch while listening to Barbra's lost gems and another one of my favorite new releases, "Sing the Delta" by the most amazing Iris Dement! It is incredibly written, and NPR recently named her as one of the most amazing voices of our generation. I agree!

 While I was obsessing over homemade pasta all afternoon, Jeff and Cory were moving the last items and cleaning their home at Tara. They close tomorrow afternoon, and the Mayor of Canton and First Lady, Gene and Elly Hobgood, will have a new home. So tonight's Sunday Supper was in celebration of Jeff and Cory's closing, and here's to the next phase of life in so many ways. Handmade pasta just felt – appropriate.

 Ciao!

 The Menu:

 - Tortelli di Michelangelo: Homemade Pasta with Veal, Pork, Chicken
   and North Georgia Apples with Brown Butter Sage Sauce

 - Bruschetta

 - Pan Roasted Asparagus

 - Unintentionally Charred North Georgia Apple Tart