California Dreaming

"Out Damn Book"!

To all you book readers; paper or electronic, have you ever read a book that stayed in you consciousness, long after you finished reading the tome? Has a story or character resonated so strongly with you, that they/it appeared in your dreams? I have a few times but last night it happened again.  I finished reading, One Thousand White Women by Jim Fergus.

Last night, I dreamt that I was walking through the golden prairie, in the warm sunlight. Just like the main character, May Dodd did in the story. This is a book of fiction but based on some historical events. The characters are so "alive", that I wanted to believe that they truly walked this earth, in the past. 

What's even more intriguing is that the author is male but writes in the "female" voice successfully. In my opinion, Mr. Fergus is a very talented writer to be able to accomplish this feat/syle.

I highly recommend this book.

Fiesta at Rick's

I am not shy. I'm not. 

You need an icebreaker, you call me. Those of you who know me in my later years, would be shocked to know that I have mellowed with age.

Now, don't get me wrong. There have a been a few "rare" moments that I have been tongue tied, star struck. I can count them on one hand. But the most recent was because of this man.

Rick Bayless

Yes, the Chefs Chef, Rick Bayless. Winner of Top Chef, author, traveler and owner of one my favorite restaurants, Frontera Grill.  

Now this was a few years back, but when I was offered the chance to have my copy of his cookbook, Mexico-One Plate at a Time, autographed, while dinning at Frontera Grill. I literally stopped speaking, could only make gurgling sounds and wanted to crawl under the table.

My then boyfriend, now husband was surprised if not blown away at my reaction. Smirking, he got up with my cookbook and had Rick autograph it. (Thank you, DT).

This same fearless man gave me Rick's (Yes, I am on first name basis, if I could speak to him!) newest cookbook, "Fiesta at Rick's".

 

What makes this cookbook different from all the others is that recipes are categorized by party type but has everything from suggested play lists, the ability to scale up or down the serving sizes and various types of beverages. 

I HIGHLY recommend this cookbook. If you are not sure, check out his TV series, Mexico, One Plate at a Time. It is because of Rick, I am not intimidated by mole's or experimenting with Tamarind.

I truly wish I was Rick's older but weird sister, that he occasionally invites to travel to Mexico and invites to his backyard Fiesta's. (Note: I have a very vibrant fantasy life!).

Did I tell you, I am not shy.

Cherry Blossoms & Rome.

Right now I seem to have Cherry Blossoms and Rome on my mind. Strange combination, I know. That being said, here's this week's favorite things:

Cherry Blossoms:

Cannell et Vanille makes me drool. The photography combined with the recipes is sublime.

The Kitchn has a great article about how to have a Hanami (flower viewing) picnic. It reminds me of my trip to Japan during Cherry Blossom season, but more of that trip later.

Speaking of Cherry Blossoms,if you are in San Francisco April 11th, check out the Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival.

Rome:

Rome Every Day has the most enchanting pictures of the daily life in Rome. I feel I am in Rome with Elenora's images. She also has a great food blog too, Agliio, Olio & Peperoncino.

One of my favorite magazines, Saveur. This month's issue has "Classic Roman Food". After finishing the feature, I wanted to go back to Rome,now!

A Traveler's Library is a great blog for both the traveler and reader. It was here that I discovered Donna Leon's book, "The Girl of His Dreams", set in Venice. I know this is supposed to be about Rome but it's still Italy.

So there are my favorites for the moment.