Today Dishing: Color: What is it Good For?

 

Red takes the lead in this jungle inspired family room.

When asked, “What’s your favorite color?” how do you respond? For years I responded,"red” but for some time now I say”pink”. When looking at my living spaces, I see the colors my eye finds pleasing. And yes, red and pink come  into play.



I love color around me.  Granted some folks find my colors overwhelming but I am comforted by them. After entering my redecorated living room my sister said she felt like she was at the circus. Not exactly the look I was going for but at least it evoked a response. My use of color is too extreme for many, I know that.  The key is to find your comfort level with color and use it accordingly.

Red teams up with yellow in this mostly  yellow kitchen.

We’re in the pink in this dining room.

When it comes to decorating. I believe it’s important to remember that it is your house. You live in it. And your response to it and what’s in it, is the only one that matters. I do try to follow some basic decorating rules so as not to end up with a hodge-podge. But I choose to break some rules too.









If you wonder which colors are pleasing to you, look around. Even if you fear or don’t like color on your walls; furniture, window treatments, carpets, and area rugs  reveal your answer.

Colorful? yes.  But I love it.

Upon taking inventory of my home I find there is no blue, with the exception of my daughter’s room which she decorated. I don’t dislike blue but obviously it is not a color I am drawn to.

Pink takes a back seat to yellow in the living room.

Minimalists like shades of white, grays and subtle tones but even they use a throw pillow to add pops of color. Again remember, “To thine own self be true”. Your decorating should reflect you.





Okay now. What is your favorite color?

Coming soon: Colors in your closet.

Today Dishing: Wedding Shower

We  are well into shower season for spring and summer weddings. Last weekend marked the beginning of our season of celebrations for my daughter's June wedding.

Last Saturday my daughter's aunts hosted a bridal shower in her honor at Ottimo restaurant in Orland Park.

This invitation is actually a picture of my daughter at age 5 wearing her sister's communion veil.

Ottimo's dining room was transformed into a lush spring garden room.

Table runners made by my sisters established the base for the tablescapes. Over-sized hot pink and lime green placemats added a pop of color on top of the black and white patterned runners.

Because my daughter has a fetish for  coffee mugs, it seemed fitting to give initialed mugs as the guest favors. And what better than filling the mugs with flower arrangements to create the floral centerpieces.

These sugar cookies, made by my sister, display an edible picture of the soon -to-be bride and groom taken on their engagement day. The "picture cookies" top off each individual place setting.

Additional pictures of the couple were enlarged and adorned the sweets table which consisted of: Olive Oil Cake with basil sauce, Plain Cheesecake, Heathbar Cheesecake, Tart au Chocolat, an assortment of mini pastries, vanilla, almond and anise biscotti's, mixed berries, chocolate covered strawberries, homemade chocolate chip cookies and assorted bakery butter cookies.

The menu, served as separate courses,consisting of Ottimo Pizza, Meatballs, Caesar Salad, Rigatoni Pomodoro and Chicken Valdastono delighted the guests.

This shower was given with love which was evident in every detail from the hand sewn table runners to the homemade desserts to the aunts and cousin gathered together to make the floral arrangements. The guests too showered this bride not only with generous gifts but with the generosity of their time and love.

Me thinks a blessed and lucky girl, my daughter, is she.

Today Dishing: Weddings

 Because my daughter's wedding is two months away, I find myself with an abundance of topics to share on this blog. But because my daughter's wedding is two months away I am not "allowed" to share any of it with you at this time except to say that I do have a dress. That, however does not prevent me from continuing in my search for a better dress.

My oldest daughter's wedding is almost three years past and with her permission I am able to share some elements of her  special day.

When planning a wedding a vision is of utmost importance. Staying true to that vision is difficult because many web sites  such as etsy and pintrest offer a plethora of ideas that can easily blur that vision. My advise to anyone planning a wedding, or any party for that matter, is constantly edit yourself.

Brides fine great ideas and want to use as many as their budgets allow. Even if a budget is of no concern, in weddings, as in life, more is not always more.

My daughter's vision was an all white wedding with a nod to the couples interest and love of wine.

From the following pictures hopefully this vision will be clear.

The bride wore Badgley Mischka.

An espelette often called a vignette table displays a myriad of white flowers.

The reception cards are  displayed on wine corks. The table numbers were displayed on wine bottles.

                                                           

The "Best Lady" and bridesmaids wore BCBG.

Various white flowers  at the base of large palm leaves, silver chargers and fruitwood chiavari chairs enhance the look.

At the head table white hydrangea and white stargazers are added to the palm leaves. White hydrangea line the length of the table.The table sat 22 so as to accommodate the attendants and their guests. A white flower lays atop the menu card. And a good time was had by all!

Today Dishing: CiNe Restaurant, Hinsdale

photo via google

CiNe, a happening new restaurant in Hinsdale, offers much needed upscale Mexican cuisine to the western suburbs.  I am reluctant to offer a review based only on one visit but I can share our experiences on one particular Friday night.

The packed bar area hosted a lively crowd. The family-friendly restaurant area offers large tables which are nicely spaced so as not to over crowd.

Having licked many a salted glass rim in my quest for the best margarita, I  have a new front runner. CiNe creates a winning margarita. My previous top choice is the margarita from NoMi in the Park Hyatt. Not a fan of too sweet and syrupy tasting margaritas, CiNe's concoction is made with Jimador Blanco  Tequila, all natural Triple Sec and fresh lime juice. Topped with a large orange peel, the drink is both refreshing and smooth.

My #1 margarita.

                                              
The Barragan Paradise cocktail marries pomegranate syrup, pineapple juice and apple to a blissful end.
The Watermelon Cooler consisting of jalepeno infused Tequila, muddled basil and Aperol may be the most refreshing "boat drink" of all.

Using filet mignon in the steak fajitas elevates this dish to a level above those fajitas using lesser quality cuts of meat.

Tacos come four to an order and can be mixed from a selection of six. The vegetarian taco  deviates from the norm by adding some crunch with the potato croquettes.

The substantial Enchiladas were  more content than sauce which is often not the case in lesser establishments.

The use of vibrant colors throughout lends to the Latin feel. The noise level is high, teetering almost to the level of talk challenging, but not quite.

If you are looking for a cheaper meal, this is not your place. This is upscale Mexican at up-scale prices.

P.S. Looking forward, the owners of Ottimo Osteria in Orland Park plan a May opening of their new Mexican cuisine restaurant adjacent to Ottimo. We hope to find upscale Mexican  at reasonable prices

                                                                Ole'

Twice in One Week

Well to be totally accurate, twice in eight days. Two visits to Eddie Merlot's in Burr Ridge, in eight days. I am a lucky girl.

Last week I paid my third visit to this location.The two previous visits were with family and both marked a special occasion. This visit also marked the special occasion of my friend's birthday. Thus far Merlot's is, for me, a special occasion destination.  I would very much enjoy becoming a regular but the price tag prevents that.

On this evening our night began with a cocktail at the bar. After being entertained by Jim, the bartender, we moved into the stunning dining room for dinner. We began with appetizers.  The Thai shrimp consisting of sweet and spicy rock shrimp is a must try.  The sweet and spicy sauce does not over-power the shrimp but instead enhances the freshness of the tender shrimp.The portion is large enough to share and the unique presentation of the Thai Shrimp added to the overall enjoyment of this dish. The east coast oysters were delicate, fresh and delicious.
                                                     
We  both ordered the 6 ounce filet. The substantial steak knife is almost not required to slice these beauties. Our sides which are intended for sharing, were the Brussel sprouts with carmalized cippolini onions, and diced bacon and the parmesan truffle french fries. Honestly, we would have been totally pleased with a dinner consisting of just these two sides.

Sated but not uncomfortably so we opted for dessert. Our choice, Eddie's Mixed Berries are "prepared tableside in spectacular fashion". We enjoyed the circuses involved in the prep of this delightful finale.

Now Merlot's is open for lunch and just yesterday I happily enjoyed my first lunch there. Seated for the first time in the bar area the atmosphere is more relaxed than the dining room but extremely comfortable.

Geoff, our server guided us through the menu making recommendations of food and wine. During our entire visit Geoff could not have been more accommodating. He guided me to my selection  by showing me the salmon BLT before delivering one to another table. The homemade  potato chips with blue cheese dipping sauce are a decadently delicious side which you will not soon forget.

My friend, Marianne opted for the veggie flatbread of shaved Brussel sprouts, tomato, taleggio, basil and sea salt which was chocked full of flavor and creaminess.

As ladies who lunch we like to take our time and although we were the last lunch  customers we were never rushed or made to feel we over stayed our welcome.

Now that Merlot's is open for lunch, my wish can become reality. The lunch prices are in step with surrounding restaurants and for that reason this special occasion destination will be my frequent lunch destination.