Summer is finally here and I've traded my cozy nights on the couch for al fresco evenings with friends. See my pick's for the patio in the latest issue of Sloane magazine.

The Power of Soup

Rainy days make me crave soup! This recipe looks yummy. I wish I could invite all of my girlfriends over to join me around my {imaginary} fireplace to eat hunks of broth soaked bread and talk. When I was growing up my mother owned a couple restaurants in Marblehead. She was also the head chef so you can imagine the impact growing up in her kitchens has had on me. I take for granted the ease I feel in a kitchen and how naturally creating recipes and menus comes. It is literally second nature.

I haven't spent a whole lot of nights at home these past few months but I think tonight I will dust off the pots and pans, pull out Tried and True Ambrosia and fill the house with delicious smells.

An Evening In The Hills

Friends invited us to a little birthday party this weekend and the house could not have been more special. We nibbled on small plates of organic fruit, summer salads, and spicy curry while sipping wine under the stars.


It was very, very nice. For pictures of the interior, visit the store store blog here.

A perfect end to a perfect weekend

Sunday dinner at my friends Mar Vista bungalow are never a let down. Last night was especially fun and the company top shelf. Over wedges of triple cream cheese, ratatouille, and whole baked Sea Bass we got to hear the incredible story of Norman Ollestad. The tale of his horrific plane crash and subsequent journey to safety was not new to me {as I have been awaiting the release of his memoir, Crazy for the Storm, for weeks} but the first hand account of the details and stories that unknowingly prepared him for this day were fascinating. I was bowled over when I realized who my dinner companion was and surprised him with my genuine enthusiasm but it isn't often you get to engage the author of a book on your must read list.

The books release date is June 2nd and for anyone in the LA area come join me for his Book Soup signing on June 9th!

Good Eats, Cool Treats

Last night 2E and I attended the opening of LA's CB2.



Followed by dinner at one of my absolute favorite eateries, Terroni.



And returned home, well fed, with a few goodies from the party.


I just can't resist anything with an elephant!