Glamorous Dorothy Thorpe silver tipped stemmed glasses -- a small scale version --perfect for sipping mini martinis in a little black dress and heels
If you covet these perfect little sippers, you can get them here:
http://www.nathalieseaver.biz/dothcogl.html
One of the dreamiest and romantic happy hours ever -- in a set decorator's imagining of a cozy Paris hideaway featuring low, mismatched vintage couches, flickering candleight from silver candleabras, frites, a generous cheeseplate, sparkling wine carafs (and much more on a lovely special menu). Sweet.
And be prepared to wait -- locals stand waiting to enjoy this delightful end of day respite on Vermont Avenue.
figarobistrot.com
I love smaller sized cupcakes and these organic carrot bites are even more tempting baked in colorful Parisian paper pleats --Bleu, Blanc, Rouge, of course!
It took several batches to perfect this recipe: not too sweet and very lush and light. Toasted almonds add a delicate crunch and a zing of fresh lemon zest make for a VERY addictive frosting. I'll post the recipe on my website tomorrow.
Meanwhile, come by and sample these treats all day...with bubbly and other French goodies.
A bientot!
This one has an interesting provenance. Alexandra Marnier, of the Grand Marnier family in France , created this winery in Chile in 1994.
I tasted Lapostolle Casa Cabernet Sauvignon recently with a steak-frites dinner and it was a delightful match. A rich red with concentrated layers of berry, hints of cocoa and softened with some oak.
This memorable wine is a no-brainer, elegant choice at a very nice price.
It is usuallyavailable for under $15
A very stylish friend casually offered this one at a recent gathering without any fanfare.
One sip of this dark red makes you pay attention. For once, velvet applies here with hints of cocoa in the rich, earthy fruit.
It was not surprising to learn later that this lush wine is also a deluxe treat and not for everyday sipping but what a wonderful gift this would be for an aficionado.
Cain Five retails anywhere from $89-$139 depending on where you find it.
In the window of a little cafe in the Marais
Love all the shapes and graphics of these bottles
From Chile, with lots of dark fruit. This one's also a delicious steal and that's all I'm going to say.
Most people think of flasks as an old school, gentleman's accessory. But as soon as I spotted these graceful pieces in stainless steel, I knew they'd be a perfect, sophisticated girlfriend gift.
Especially like these two, with their timeless, streamlined curves.
Just the right size for a little purse or jeans pocket.
Cheers!
Smooth and luscious from Chateau Neuf du Pape:
I walked into this tiny vineyard by chance a few years ago. We found ourselves in a gravelled back area, greeted by a barking dog. It seemed deserted. A tall, sleepy guy appeared with a half smile. Almost reluctantly, he gave us a brief "tour" of the modest place not at all "done" f or tourists and half heartedly led us to a little tasting room.
This unenthusiastic prelude did not exactly make us have any hopes for the wine. Then with a little pour of the red and quick swirl, he handed over a glass. We were not prepared for the lush delight we tasted. Needless to say a case immediately was placed in the back of the car before we left. I recently found a bottle from that trip and it is still a really nice glass of red.
