Jack Rogers

Memorial Day tends to mark the beginning of summer.  And, with the beginning of summer, that means it is time to break out the summer-ware.  First on my list are the summer sandals, namely my Jack Rogers.

The classic Navajo-style has been worn for decades and generations (thanks Mom for the introduction!).  The story goes that it was Jackie Kennedy, not surprisingly, that originally introduced the sandal to the U.S. after a trip to Capri.  The sandal has been a prepster's closet necessity ever since.

Iwo Jima, Arlington National Cemetery

On this Memorial Day, we remember... Raising the Flag at Iwo Jima:

Fabi + Rosi Crack Pie

A week ago I posted about a fabulous dinner at the local Fabi + Rosi.  But... Everything was so good that we just did not save room for dessert.  Well, have no fear, this time we made sure to save room:

The Crack Pie with Hooch Cream

The Crack pie is an oatmeal and caramel bar topped with whiskey-infused whipped cream.  Sounds pretty awesome, right?  Well, it is.  Words cannot describe the gooey wonder that is every bite.  Just trust me, and try it.

A Reuben in Austin, TX

With half my family roots in Eastern Europe, I grew up with staples like perogies (potato dumplings), kielbasa (sausage), stuffed cabbage, and sauerkraut. So the other day, a search for a nostalgic Reuben sandwich led me to NeWorlDeli.

In the mid-1800s many Europeans were fed up with the failed Revolutions of 1848. Seeking a fresh start (or forced to start anew), a number of Germans and other Eastern Europeans found their new home in the great state of Texas. Hence, central Texas has towns like Fredericksburg, New Braunfels, and Boerne (pronounced "Bernie"). And further hence, I have my delicious Reuben sandwich!

Fabi + Rosi

Chef Wolfgang Murber brings his German roots and Spanish culinary training to Austin with a European kitchen offering all the best of the best.  In walks Fabi + Rosi, adorably named for his nephew and niece.

Walk through the door and there's an immediate smell of truffle.  I'm smitten from the beginning.  But importantly, onto the food... Everything tastes so fresh, whether they say it or not (and actually they do say it), you know everything must come from within an 100 mile radius.

Obviously, keeping with the local concept, the restaurant works on a seasonal menu.  Right now we have Spring, and I can't wait for the summer release (rumor has it that Summer will be out around mid-June).  But here's what the Spring has brought us...

Ocean House at Watch Hill, RI

Wedding season is upon us, which brings me back to a year ago today when we attended a wedding at the Ocean House in Watch Hill, Rhode Island.  (Well, technically the wedding was at The Misquamicut Club, but the Ocean House was kind enough to house our rowdy crowd.)

The Ocean House does it right, in every way.  From the bar, to the staff, to the rooms, there is a reason this getaway continues to operate under high standards, a rare five star and five diamond resort.  Despite its recent restoration and renovation, all the old charm remains.

Ocean House from the Front

And Oh, the spa...  It's a lovely must, especially the spa experience room with its uniquely oval room overlooking the ocean.  They'll serve you up some spa water, hot tea, and tasty housemade granola.  Need anything else?  Just ask and it'll be there.  

Don't forget to participate in the activities - cooking, wine tasting, squash, spinning, yoga.  But remember, if you plan to play a little croquet, wear your whites!  Then again, there's nothing wrong with spending the day poolside, or beachside with the ocean breeze.

Ocean House from the Beach

Watch Hill itself is an adorable little town.

Obsessed: America's Food Addiction---And My Own

This Tuesday Mika Brzezinski came out with her newest book Obsessed: America's Food Addiction---and My Own.  Cover to cover in just a couple of days - definitely a recommended read.

Obsessed takes us on the journey of food obsessions from two different points of view - a skinny Mika Brzezinski and an overweight Diane Smith, two TV journalists that may have night and day differences in physical appearances, yet very similar internal obsessions with food.

But it's not about being thin, or overweight, it's about being healthy.  Whether you need to lose weight or gain it, Obsessed is about learning a healthy food relationship.  Something we all need, and can relate to.

Everyone has to find his or her own healthy balance. Some diets work well for some while it might not work the same for others.  It's a whole mentality shift. You can't diet, you must change your approach entirely.  It's about looking at food in a different light.  Food is fuel.

Fat or thin - We need to support one another. The primary message of the book is that we need to have a conversation, although that is easier said than done.  The conversation seems to start and stop.  As you may recall, we started talking when the 2004 documentary Supersize Me aired with eye-opening results.  Then in 2008 came Food, Inc. - speaking of, remember Kevin's law?  Last I looked the proposal still has not been passed and it appears the talk has been tabled.

Supersize Me and Food, Inc. were educational tools for an uninformed public about what is in the food that we eat.  Obsessed tells the story of the body's natural instinct to want these foods.  By now we know they're bad for us, and so we must overcome our natural desire in order to curb the addiction to making bad food choices.  Food is about knowing, and making a conscious effort.  

The book addresses many issues that I can personally relate to:

A NOLA Wedding

On one of our trips to New Orleans, we were shopping on Royal Street in the French Quarter, when the music around the corner became progressively louder.  And to our luck, so came the Grand Marshall leading your classic Brass Band jazz parade.

But as the band played on, and the people passed by, we soon found it wasn't just a parade, but actually a wedding recessional!

Off to the races!

Happy Derby Day and Happy Gold Cup!

The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island

The Grand Hotel is located on Mackinac (pronounced "Mackinaw") Island in northern Michigan, between the upper and lower peninsulas.  All one can say is, it's spectacular!

Due to the rugged winter temperatures experienced in upper Michigan, the island is a summer attraction (despite those few residents that brave the cold winters).  Each year the hotel has a grand re-opening the first weekend in May and closing ceremony the last weekend in October.  So, this weekend will mark the annual Grand Hotel reopening!  

When it comes to the Grand Hotel, you just can't beat the porch.  Whether it be your morning coffee and paper, an afternoon cocktail, or an evening digestif - grab a rocker, kick back, and relax.

The porch seems to go on and on and on...

Mackinac island itself is only 8 miles in circumference.  There are no automobiles allowed on the island, so if you plan to go outside of town, you can rent a bike, or travel by horse and buggy!

Mackinac Island is a beautiful, serene escape for all to enjoy - history buffs, fudge eaters, sailor's delight, and those just seeking a quiet getaway.