tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56329174047809665322024-03-14T00:51:21.673-04:00+Bonjour Bruxelles+Karen @ BonjourBruxelleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03166644813918395379noreply@blogger.comBlogger602125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632917404780966532.post-63212231158287937312012-02-02T12:23:00.000-05:002012-02-02T12:23:51.805-05:00Find Me Here<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r7lb0bEXLVE/TyrDUuoeMkI/AAAAAAAAFHY/a-dTQltNMwU/s1600/stuff+and+stuff+381.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r7lb0bEXLVE/TyrDUuoeMkI/AAAAAAAAFHY/a-dTQltNMwU/s1600/stuff+and+stuff+381.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">image | my hand via instagram</td></tr>
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Oh no....not on Capri, overlooking the majestic '<a href="http://goitaly.about.com/od/capri/ig/Capri-Pictures/Capri-faraglioni.htm"><i>faraglioni</i></a>' rock formations. No. I'm here, in Boston, sitting at my desk actually. I haven't really posted in well over a month....you see, my life and work and family and stuff is getting in the way of my hobby-bloggy. <br />
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Therefore, I invite you to check out other forms of web gratification here:<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://instagr.am/">@bonjourbruxelles</a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DPpkOlnYwx0/TyrEzyj0aEI/AAAAAAAAFHg/Qukq_NXJ8ew/s1600/LogoRed.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DPpkOlnYwx0/TyrEzyj0aEI/AAAAAAAAFHg/Qukq_NXJ8ew/s1600/LogoRed.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/kehsutton/">@ Karen Sutton</a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gkrn6htCJV0/TyrFsjGCLZI/AAAAAAAAFHo/CgZKYU5YQ_o/s1600/Twitter-Logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="73" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gkrn6htCJV0/TyrFsjGCLZI/AAAAAAAAFHo/CgZKYU5YQ_o/s200/Twitter-Logo.png" width="200" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> @bonjourbruxl</div>Karen @ BonjourBruxelleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03166644813918395379noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632917404780966532.post-10131188230415657092011-11-30T09:00:00.002-05:002011-11-30T09:00:10.593-05:00Italy's best Christmas Cake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zg1ea5kaf-w/TtVTTS1CV2I/AAAAAAAAFG0/bFAByMR45Do/s1600/5262172459_0b4f2f5f5a_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zg1ea5kaf-w/TtVTTS1CV2I/AAAAAAAAFG0/bFAByMR45Do/s640/5262172459_0b4f2f5f5a_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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Panettone. I know....all of you Christmas bread haters, complainers of dry, fruity, brick-like loaves...you have good reason. I know. But this - this panettone. <i>Panettone</i>. Made by Italian hands, in a little coffee shop in the valley of Po, in the town of Bovolone, nestled between the Italian Alps to the north and the Apennines to the south, is beyond bread. This panettone is set apart from others because of the natural yeasty magic and recipe that's been used since 1891. <br />
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Also, molten butter is added. And some dazzling Italian sugar. So, it's moist and soft. And perfect in every way.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W0hxrl4D5XA/TtVXKVDUdtI/AAAAAAAAFG8/g0v26ucQKhk/s1600/offelladoro850cuttight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W0hxrl4D5XA/TtVXKVDUdtI/AAAAAAAAFG8/g0v26ucQKhk/s640/offelladoro850cuttight.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">image | <a href="http://www.formaggiokitchen.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=88_55_160&products_id=260">formaggio kitchen</a></td></tr>
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And the twig tied to the package comes from a local Muscat grape vine - from the Valley of Po. Making this not only a delicious gift, but a beautiful one, too. <br />
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You can find this and a whole world of other delectables at:<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://southendformaggio.com/">South End Formaggio</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">268 Shawmut Ave.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Boston, MA 02118</div><div style="text-align: center;">(617) 350-6996</div>Karen @ BonjourBruxelleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03166644813918395379noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632917404780966532.post-79652121025704893682011-11-21T10:09:00.000-05:002011-11-21T10:09:06.504-05:00Take pause....Reflect. And through it all.......<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3BgazUFqy5w/TspnbcZX-DI/AAAAAAAAFGs/0vtW5Ho6cvA/s1600/give-thanks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3BgazUFqy5w/TspnbcZX-DI/AAAAAAAAFGs/0vtW5Ho6cvA/s1600/give-thanks.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">re-borrowed image | <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/WoodenHive">wooden hive</a></td></tr>
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When I was a kid, Thanksgiving was a day of touch-football, hot chocolate, family, friends, and too many mashed potatoes. Now, for our kids, it's kickball or a hike and a whole bunch of togetherness and reflection. It was and will always be a solid tradition of love, generosity, and compassion for all of those far and near. <br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Thanksgiving, after all, is a word of action.</b></span></i></div><div style="text-align: right;">-W.J. Cameron </div><div style="text-align: right;"><br />
</div>Karen @ BonjourBruxelleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03166644813918395379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632917404780966532.post-57490120665557452342011-11-10T19:13:00.000-05:002011-11-10T19:13:12.470-05:00London | 2011Apologies to all my Bookface friends that got inundated with every step I took in London. It was an incredible trip. <br />
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And it was a quick trip. Just 5 days total - 2 days of travel - so, really 3 days. And 2 of those days I was on my own. And I managed the underground totally solo (gave myself lots of air high-fives), which I thought was a pretty big deal. Granted, the tube <i>is </i>easy. London has signs that actually mean something and are helpful, as opposed to the signage I'm used to here, which are in some confused Yankee gibberish.<br />
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Allow me to share some of my highlights......oh, and all images taken by my own hand and phone.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Day 1: Tate Modern, St. Paul's Cathedral, Occupy London</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E080Mq8V4l0/TrxQc5dJEAI/AAAAAAAAFCw/av1uojp7dLk/s1600/IMG_1156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="417" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E080Mq8V4l0/TrxQc5dJEAI/AAAAAAAAFCw/av1uojp7dLk/s640/IMG_1156.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5E9bDgXcz6A/TrxQuU1A9gI/AAAAAAAAFC4/3j9k2zwa0u4/s1600/IMG_1157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5E9bDgXcz6A/TrxQuU1A9gI/AAAAAAAAFC4/3j9k2zwa0u4/s400/IMG_1157.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.tate.org.uk/modern/exhibitions/unilever2011/default.shtm">Tacita Dean</a></b> | 35mm projected on 45' wall</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6Xg7kyzXUYI/TrxSxZaeFQI/AAAAAAAAFDg/ilTM4f4tw3I/s1600/IMG_1160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6Xg7kyzXUYI/TrxSxZaeFQI/AAAAAAAAFDg/ilTM4f4tw3I/s640/IMG_1160.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ai Weiwei | Sunflower Seeds</td></tr>
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This was, perhaps, one of the most moving pieces I saw at the Tate Modern and it just doesn't translate in a photo. Just imagine a pile of seeds, maybe 20' in circumference. And then realize that each, individual seed is handmade of porcelain and hand painted. And then google <b><i><a href="http://www.tate.org.uk/modern/exhibitions/unileverseries2010/">Ai Weiwei</a></i></b>. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_DuocFhxWMI/TrxVD90M4CI/AAAAAAAAFDo/fOdbDrYJKnQ/s1600/IMG_1164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_DuocFhxWMI/TrxVD90M4CI/AAAAAAAAFDo/fOdbDrYJKnQ/s640/IMG_1164.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TlZJDSqlWdk/TrxRQx4-l3I/AAAAAAAAFDA/zEqOHUb4BEA/s1600/IMG_1154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TlZJDSqlWdk/TrxRQx4-l3I/AAAAAAAAFDA/zEqOHUb4BEA/s640/IMG_1154.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of St. Paul's Cathedral from Millenium Bridge</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TqJDlj13pGM/TrxR-1EnDLI/AAAAAAAAFDI/DVZKNHU2S4M/s1600/IMG_1177.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TqJDlj13pGM/TrxR-1EnDLI/AAAAAAAAFDI/DVZKNHU2S4M/s640/IMG_1177.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Organized, orderly, and clean Occupy London surrounding St. Paul's</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Day 2 | Lucian Freud, Francis Bacon, Mallais, and a walk</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-My1JjeE1ub4/TrxSRvNp8tI/AAAAAAAAFDQ/aGH9fVimVgU/s1600/IMG_1175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-My1JjeE1ub4/TrxSRvNp8tI/AAAAAAAAFDQ/aGH9fVimVgU/s640/IMG_1175.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">London cab. Round and roomy. And polite.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--pYYYXwb2a8/TrxSjBL5kiI/AAAAAAAAFDY/5vuxJx6AVR0/s1600/IMG_1185.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--pYYYXwb2a8/TrxSjBL5kiI/AAAAAAAAFDY/5vuxJx6AVR0/s400/IMG_1185.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tate Britain</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OCne6h62mHc/TrxVOKHJnyI/AAAAAAAAFDw/MWJUMwAE12A/s1600/IMG_1188.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OCne6h62mHc/TrxVOKHJnyI/AAAAAAAAFDw/MWJUMwAE12A/s640/IMG_1188.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lucian Freud </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9xHHwDMPtZk/TrxV_Y7c6RI/AAAAAAAAFD4/DkFNVtAukE8/s1600/IMG_1186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9xHHwDMPtZk/TrxV_Y7c6RI/AAAAAAAAFD4/DkFNVtAukE8/s640/IMG_1186.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Francis Bacon | Three Studies for Figures at the Base of a Crucifixion</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3o_COu9dbDE/TrxWo7r-IjI/AAAAAAAAFEA/w98AHZKS2EE/s1600/IMG_1192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="450" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3o_COu9dbDE/TrxWo7r-IjI/AAAAAAAAFEA/w98AHZKS2EE/s640/IMG_1192.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sir John Everett Mallais | Ophelia</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kmUi9wy0XRk/TrxY1TVenTI/AAAAAAAAFEw/aqkeM9EFe60/s1600/IMG_1501.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kmUi9wy0XRk/TrxY1TVenTI/AAAAAAAAFEw/aqkeM9EFe60/s640/IMG_1501.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enormous handblown chandelier </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5jpz4siNruk/TrxX9GRVm-I/AAAAAAAAFEY/YWwBWgp17Ms/s1600/IMG_1194.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5jpz4siNruk/TrxX9GRVm-I/AAAAAAAAFEY/YWwBWgp17Ms/s640/IMG_1194.jpg" width="568" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parliament</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JaYvYbzWprk/TrxYUJ9up5I/AAAAAAAAFEo/MHOZ0uc8v0s/s1600/IMG_1200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JaYvYbzWprk/TrxYUJ9up5I/AAAAAAAAFEo/MHOZ0uc8v0s/s640/IMG_1200.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big Ben through the gate</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u1Zag33RlBg/TrxZ2m4ajNI/AAAAAAAAFE4/kHbFVWSq5-c/s1600/IMG_1505.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u1Zag33RlBg/TrxZ2m4ajNI/AAAAAAAAFE4/kHbFVWSq5-c/s640/IMG_1505.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big Ben not through a gate</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W74G7AQFVwM/TrxaMZ9RpVI/AAAAAAAAFFA/67veodxA4yQ/s1600/IMG_1507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W74G7AQFVwM/TrxaMZ9RpVI/AAAAAAAAFFA/67veodxA4yQ/s640/IMG_1507.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">London Eye, Big Ben, Londoners</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SDzoDBX1NSA/Trxagds-AkI/AAAAAAAAFFI/fvqbIkKLr6s/s1600/IMG_1509.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="607" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SDzoDBX1NSA/Trxagds-AkI/AAAAAAAAFFI/fvqbIkKLr6s/s640/IMG_1509.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty Red on Black</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d_uUDhvVCd8/TrxavOXnCpI/AAAAAAAAFFQ/O0AzmS_F49M/s1600/IMG_1510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d_uUDhvVCd8/TrxavOXnCpI/AAAAAAAAFFQ/O0AzmS_F49M/s640/IMG_1510.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The View from The National Gallery</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Day 3 | Random Sites</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sKr8yQmK8Wc/Trxbppidf1I/AAAAAAAAFFY/xIw19tHktzk/s1600/IMG_1211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sKr8yQmK8Wc/Trxbppidf1I/AAAAAAAAFFY/xIw19tHktzk/s400/IMG_1211.jpg" width="302" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Victoria Tower Gardens</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PUksMm1VRdU/TrxcR1wQLfI/AAAAAAAAFFo/72fyhJnAK_U/s1600/IMG_1217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PUksMm1VRdU/TrxcR1wQLfI/AAAAAAAAFFo/72fyhJnAK_U/s320/IMG_1217.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P5nJ1OK92jQ/TrxcS2FglCI/AAAAAAAAFFw/lLxxXlU6pHY/s1600/IMG_1218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P5nJ1OK92jQ/TrxcS2FglCI/AAAAAAAAFFw/lLxxXlU6pHY/s320/IMG_1218.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gQ4ORbThcFw/TrxcUESuSbI/AAAAAAAAFF4/XLbMEKFMGiA/s1600/IMG_1222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gQ4ORbThcFw/TrxcUESuSbI/AAAAAAAAFF4/XLbMEKFMGiA/s320/IMG_1222.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u6yeo7KW7Ow/TrxcVNlwPCI/AAAAAAAAFGA/tIbcUIUaHFI/s1600/IMG_1233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u6yeo7KW7Ow/TrxcVNlwPCI/AAAAAAAAFGA/tIbcUIUaHFI/s320/IMG_1233.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4TNnfUwjBVA/TrxcWdXouKI/AAAAAAAAFGI/bmJxJHiGhuY/s1600/IMG_1234.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4TNnfUwjBVA/TrxcWdXouKI/AAAAAAAAFGI/bmJxJHiGhuY/s320/IMG_1234.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FDlc62PQFq4/TrxcQ4XLSzI/AAAAAAAAFFg/9JAlbvPNPZ0/s1600/IMG_1215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FDlc62PQFq4/TrxcQ4XLSzI/AAAAAAAAFFg/9JAlbvPNPZ0/s320/IMG_1215.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GGho56Lmbk8/TrxnmJ2ZbbI/AAAAAAAAFGY/E4OrxzJ6gs0/s1600/IMG_1236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GGho56Lmbk8/TrxnmJ2ZbbI/AAAAAAAAFGY/E4OrxzJ6gs0/s320/IMG_1236.jpg" width="231" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wu5hlNe-CdE/Trxnod_5wPI/AAAAAAAAFGg/VqNtQUSCz60/s1600/IMG_1520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wu5hlNe-CdE/Trxnod_5wPI/AAAAAAAAFGg/VqNtQUSCz60/s640/IMG_1520.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See if you can find: dingly dell, haunch, rump</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vak3RrqvHdk/Trxd2t-WflI/AAAAAAAAFGQ/3MT5WXvCvhc/s1600/IMG_1184.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vak3RrqvHdk/Trxd2t-WflI/AAAAAAAAFGQ/3MT5WXvCvhc/s320/IMG_1184.jpg" width="236" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yeah, apparently I don't smile so much when I travel.</td></tr>
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</span>Karen @ BonjourBruxelleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03166644813918395379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632917404780966532.post-84548729545306564942011-11-09T12:34:00.003-05:002011-11-09T13:14:17.418-05:00StuffedOh, it's been a long while since I've posted. Life and a trip to London (more on that later) have gotten in the way. But with the leaves (they're still on the trees!) getting all golden and red, I'm finally ready to turn my head towards Thanksgiving and the holiday season.<br />
<br />
With all the hosting we do, I was finding myself getting a little bored with the whole gargantuan meal of fowl and mushy side dishes. Don't get me wrong. Thanksgiving is, by far, one of my favorite holidays. It's not religious - no Old or New Testament significance. Instead, it's all about getting together with friends, family and digging togetherness. And feeling really thankful for it. Thanksgiving, after all, is a word of action.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qgSb1OURjUQ/TrqyBEMTjpI/AAAAAAAAFCg/g7go4R854kg/s1600/3074794129_c8c87154f8_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qgSb1OURjUQ/TrqyBEMTjpI/AAAAAAAAFCg/g7go4R854kg/s640/3074794129_c8c87154f8_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<br />
It's the meal with which I am so very, very bored. I've got the cooking technique nailed, for a moist, flavorful bird. I feel confident with gravy, jazzed-up mash, and some colorful veg - like brussels sprouts, yams, and any other colorful creation that peaks my fancy. And the stuffing....yup. Got the stuffing. The tried and true stuffing. Which deserves to be shared with you lovelies.<br />
<br />
With your next Thanksgiving feast, please consider this savory-sweet, texturally diverse recipe that, were it not for the Tawny Port, might be another gloppy brown mound of wet bread. With dried cherries, apples, sausage, and hazelnuts, it is a solid score on the table. And leftovers.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mMlPh2Wor_k/TrqzMNV8cyI/AAAAAAAAFCo/93ZjsCpi50s/s1600/stuffing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mMlPh2Wor_k/TrqzMNV8cyI/AAAAAAAAFCo/93ZjsCpi50s/s640/stuffing.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Best Turkey Stuffing Ever</b></span><br />
New Basics Cookbook<br />
<br />
1 large loaf of bread, cut into 1" squares and dried on a cookie sheet for 10-12 hrs.<br />
3 c. celery<br />
2. c. chopped onions<br />
2 tart apples, cut into 1/2" cubes<br />
1 lb. sweet Italian sausage, browned<br />
2 T. vegetable oil<br />
1 c. toasted and chopped hazelnuts<br />
1 c. dried cherries<br />
1 c. Tawny Port<br />
1 c. chicken broth<br />
1 tsp. salt<br />
1 tsp. dried thyme<br />
1 tsp. sage leaves<br />
Freshly ground pepper, to taste<br />
<br />
Place the bread cubes in a large bowl.<br />
<br />
Sauté sausage until brown. Remove and drain in a separate bowl. Add celery and onions to the same pan. Cook until translucent. Add cooked sausage, onions, and celery and all cooking juice to the bread.<br />
<br />
Add to the bowl: apples, hazelnuts, cherries, salt, thyme, sage, and pepper. Toss.<br />
<br />
<br />
Add Tawny Port and chicken broth to the bowl and toss. I try not to over toss, as I prefer non-mushy stuffing but feel free to crunch and smush away with your hands to create the preferred consistency.<br />
<br />
Roast in a covered dish at 325˚ for approx. 40-45 mins. Unbutton your pants and tuck in.Karen @ BonjourBruxelleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03166644813918395379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632917404780966532.post-59990754745984920822011-10-18T09:35:00.001-04:002011-10-19T09:25:10.915-04:00Wild about Wild BoarI had a reason to visit (yet another) <a href="http://southendformaggio.com/"><b>South End Formaggio</b></a> - or, really to get my monthly fix. I wanted to spice up some hors d'oeuvres-y snacks I was putting together this past Friday night.<br />
<br />
We found this amazing Wild Boar dried sausage (<i>soppressata di cinghiale</i>) in Brussels a couple of summers ago. At one of those <a href="http://bonjourbruxelles.blogspot.com/2011/06/le-marche-de-place-du-chatelain.html"><b>awesome outdoor markets</b></a>. Corsican wild boar. So, you can imagine these feral pigs are eating all sorts of good Corsican nuts and berries and maybe a small Corsican animal or two. That salami was sweet, robust, and a tad gamey. And a perfect accompaniment to what was slowly becoming a predictable cheese plate.<br />
<br />
And back to <a href="http://southendformaggio.com/"><b>South End Formaggio</b></a> - purveyors of just about everything delicious, crammed in a space no bigger than 30' x 20' (but still easy to lose yourself in thought). I picked up a half a pound of their wild boar sopressata. Theirs comes from <a href="http://www.salumeriabiellese.com/beef.html"><b>Salumeria Biellese</b></a>. And these pigs are mostly raised in Texas, on a ranch, where they probably scamper about, play tag, or maybe set up a variety of houses to see which might get blown down - while gobbling up all kinds of yummy nuts, berries, and happy little animals.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5z6lbLcsQ3I/Tp19L8YevAI/AAAAAAAAFBQ/fKdXbT0HS70/s1600/6043663919_6cfda72942_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5z6lbLcsQ3I/Tp19L8YevAI/AAAAAAAAFBQ/fKdXbT0HS70/s640/6043663919_6cfda72942_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AdUc_15ikFs/Tp1-Pa1eeXI/AAAAAAAAFBY/AH5eGODHFzI/s1600/5518432163_e7aac502b5_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AdUc_15ikFs/Tp1-Pa1eeXI/AAAAAAAAFBY/AH5eGODHFzI/s640/5518432163_e7aac502b5_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Looking for something to add to your charcuterie - <a href="http://www.foodandwine.com/articles/a-party-cure-all"><b>a party cure-all?</b></a> something that tastes like maybe a little Mediterranean, a little rustic, and a little wild? Grab a stick of wild boar dried sausage. And serve immediately.Karen @ BonjourBruxelleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03166644813918395379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632917404780966532.post-36287957087379253512011-10-06T10:54:00.000-04:002011-10-06T10:54:06.584-04:00Creative Genius<div style="text-align: left;">Thomas Edison. Alexander Graham Bell. The Wright Bros. Eli Whitney. Henry Ford.</div><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Steve Jobs.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/GmpiCe_jEbo?rel=0" width="640"></iframe>Karen @ BonjourBruxelleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03166644813918395379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632917404780966532.post-84584205201161325302011-09-29T18:05:00.000-04:002011-09-29T18:05:01.346-04:00The Cheesemonger's Kitchen<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gNv6taBIHv8/ToTleuis9rI/AAAAAAAAFA8/wcdeCPdloN4/s1600/pistachio+pears.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gNv6taBIHv8/ToTleuis9rI/AAAAAAAAFA8/wcdeCPdloN4/s640/pistachio+pears.jpg" width="534" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh Goat Cheese "Pears" with Pistachio Dust</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Koyvgul1onc/ToTkaZBmz9I/AAAAAAAAFAw/JuRdjsZLBac/s1600/burratta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Koyvgul1onc/ToTkaZBmz9I/AAAAAAAAFAw/JuRdjsZLBac/s640/burratta.jpg" width="472" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Burrata with Asparagus, Pine Nuts, and Golden Raisins</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xC8ANSVAMgw/ToTlxTMK7AI/AAAAAAAAFBA/N4DWj3pYTpI/s1600/butternut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xC8ANSVAMgw/ToTlxTMK7AI/AAAAAAAAFBA/N4DWj3pYTpI/s640/butternut.jpg" width="454" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roasted Butternut Squash with Fresh Tuscan Pecorino and Devil's Honey</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ICTacH_ZdAo/ToTma208ZBI/AAAAAAAAFBI/r2lKl4EFq1Q/s1600/Untitled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ICTacH_ZdAo/ToTma208ZBI/AAAAAAAAFBI/r2lKl4EFq1Q/s640/Untitled.jpg" width="516" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ricotta Fritters with Chocolate</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
Just in time for dinner party season. Clever, creative, cheese-y ideas for both the savory and the sweet.......(having a very difficult time not drooling all over my keyboard).....Can you dig those pears!? Roasted butternut discs with pecorino? Buratta with asparagus!<br />
<br />
I can't get over the simplistic beauty here, nor the crazy-tastiness. Plus, I know texturally cheese can get a little tiresome, but <a href="http://www.joansonthird.com/"><b>Chester Hastings</b></a>, Capt. Cheesemonger and Chef extraordinaire, has nailed nearly every suggestion in his new cookbook by pairing his arsenal of dairy with something either fresh, al dente, or kick-in-the-pants spice.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tokuV2zf5cE/ToTnsjsQ8cI/AAAAAAAAFBM/ed4Phd8uiSI/s1600/book+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tokuV2zf5cE/ToTnsjsQ8cI/AAAAAAAAFBM/ed4Phd8uiSI/s640/book+cover.jpg" width="518" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">all images | by Joseph de Leo from The Cheesemonger's Kitchen</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
You can find this cookbook, as well as other glorious foodie books, and wonderful entertaining accoutrement at<span style="font-size: small;"><b><b><a href="http://www.pod.bigcartel.com/"><b> pod</b></a></b></b></span>. Right in Brookline Village. <b> </b>Karen @ BonjourBruxelleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03166644813918395379noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632917404780966532.post-77523975190043944592011-09-26T11:41:00.000-04:002011-09-26T11:41:49.156-04:00Outstanding in the FieldA traveling restaurant. On tour. With events throughout North America and Europe. With one ginormous table. One incredibly setting - a field, mountains, seaside, or river. All about celebrating community through food - locally cultivated, locally created food. <br />
<br />
Goodness.<br />
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rx5DTjQqWW0/ToCXabI9ATI/AAAAAAAAFAA/OQ9hMQhO_YI/s1600/osint2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="446" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rx5DTjQqWW0/ToCXabI9ATI/AAAAAAAAFAA/OQ9hMQhO_YI/s640/osint2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pbfio_tynYY/ToCXdPkXVeI/AAAAAAAAFAI/jz_5oYmnuOI/s1600/September+3+-+Outstanding+in+the+Field+-+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pbfio_tynYY/ToCXdPkXVeI/AAAAAAAAFAI/jz_5oYmnuOI/s640/September+3+-+Outstanding+in+the+Field+-+6.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-khU2ADglB4M/ToCXbJM0k1I/AAAAAAAAFAE/KzFTQtBH8rs/s1600/Outstanding_in_the_field-19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-khU2ADglB4M/ToCXbJM0k1I/AAAAAAAAFAE/KzFTQtBH8rs/s640/Outstanding_in_the_field-19.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FkUe6ojYK9o/ToCXftrDdrI/AAAAAAAAFAQ/PHRHLvTnst4/s1600/v0mjr0hIld01cyjn0mVuv6Nl_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FkUe6ojYK9o/ToCXftrDdrI/AAAAAAAAFAQ/PHRHLvTnst4/s640/v0mjr0hIld01cyjn0mVuv6Nl_500.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eWZEQf-lTUw/ToCXekO_ZTI/AAAAAAAAFAM/oxhqQxeTUcA/s1600/outstand_0379w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="458" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eWZEQf-lTUw/ToCXekO_ZTI/AAAAAAAAFAM/oxhqQxeTUcA/s640/outstand_0379w.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aWG4wpxQQlM/ToCXgejZseI/AAAAAAAAFAU/kZufUJ4POaA/s1600/llm-farmdinner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aWG4wpxQQlM/ToCXgejZseI/AAAAAAAAFAU/kZufUJ4POaA/s1600/llm-farmdinner.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><i>Our mission is to re-connect diners to the land and the origins of their food,</i><br />
<i>and to honor the local farmers and food artisans who cultivate it.</i><br />
<i>Join us in the field for an amazing dining experience.</i> - <a href="http://outstandinginthefield.com/"><b>outstanding in the field</b></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DWrrHPBMkDw/ToCZoA4ifzI/AAAAAAAAFAY/zzoTYoGt2O0/s1600/72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DWrrHPBMkDw/ToCZoA4ifzI/AAAAAAAAFAY/zzoTYoGt2O0/s640/72.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mHQyaFc9E8Q/ToCZuPBtGBI/AAAAAAAAFAc/-kn1ZtjH4j4/s1600/11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mHQyaFc9E8Q/ToCZuPBtGBI/AAAAAAAAFAc/-kn1ZtjH4j4/s640/11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-89Ng_FDr4uQ/ToCZ37XOBFI/AAAAAAAAFAk/G_69lSUv_o8/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-89Ng_FDr4uQ/ToCZ37XOBFI/AAAAAAAAFAk/G_69lSUv_o8/s1600/4.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Follow the big white bus <a href="http://outstandinginthefield.com/"><b>*here*</b></a>.</div>Karen @ BonjourBruxelleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03166644813918395379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632917404780966532.post-74936271608372409622011-09-15T09:37:00.002-04:002011-09-15T10:27:27.756-04:00Tiger in a JarSpotty posts these busy days but it seems there is so much, total inundation - saturation of pretty blogs. Not feeling that inspired between the mundane and the repetitive.....<br />
<br />
except for this lovely (and total credit goes to <a href="http://shop-pod.blogspot.com/"><b>pod</b></a> for this):<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://tigerinajar.blogspot.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="136" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YMlOLY25YFY/TnH8017y2gI/AAAAAAAAE_k/EWefNtLRy6s/s640/tiaj_header.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="338" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/27614333?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="600"></iframe><br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/27614333">garden</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/mrwalker">tiger in a jar</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
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Go and lose yourself for a while. And go to <a href="http://tigerinajar.blogspot.com/"><b>tiger in a jar</b></a> with your other spare 20 minutes. It's a great place to linger.Karen @ BonjourBruxelleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03166644813918395379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632917404780966532.post-37789735356379226842011-09-06T10:43:00.001-04:002011-09-06T11:30:51.501-04:00First Day + CandlesFirst day back to school for a whole bunch of Brookline little citizens....and on a wet, rainy day, no less. After a gloriously sunny, summer-y weekend, the rain today makes the walk to school feel maybe a little more welcoming, I would imagine. I know my two were very excited about today, crazy school-loving knuckleheads that they are.<br />
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And non-sequitor: I thought I'd commemorate today with a soy candle. Cedar Moss seemed to make the most sense today. Soft, warm, and perfumed. Just seemed to make sense. School and candles, right?<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MIOHdGQ9h6I/TmYrOSQ9D4I/AAAAAAAAE_c/9EoKvSx_nGA/s1600/candles.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MIOHdGQ9h6I/TmYrOSQ9D4I/AAAAAAAAE_c/9EoKvSx_nGA/s1600/candles.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">image | <a href="http://www.saipua.com/shop/"><b>S A I P U A</b></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.saipua.com/"><b>SAIPUA</b></a>, and <a href="http://www.saipua.com/about/people/"><b>Sarah Ryhanen</b></a> is one of my all-time faves for a computer excursion. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">And you can find more wit and beauty here: </div><ul><li><a href="http://saipua.blogspot.com/"><b>SAIPUA blog</b></a> </li>
<li> <a href="http://bonjourbruxelles.blogspot.com/2011/01/nowthats-ranunculus.html"><b>flowers</b></a> </li>
<li> <a href="http://instagr.am/p/LywN9/"><b>instagram</b></a> (IG, for your cool kids)</li>
<li><a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/SAIPUA"><b>twitter.</b></a></li>
</ul><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Karen @ BonjourBruxelleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03166644813918395379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632917404780966532.post-16903949913263554462011-08-29T19:26:00.000-04:002011-08-29T19:26:40.760-04:00New Music | Bellx1These Irish guys sound so familiar and sooooo nice. This one's getting a fair amount of radio play - and it's still good. Enjoy the humor and the song.<br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="338" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/25723564" width="600"></iframe><br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/25723564">Bell X1 - Velcro</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/bellx1">Bellx1</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.Karen @ BonjourBruxelleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03166644813918395379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632917404780966532.post-50420187286261448342011-08-25T09:50:00.000-04:002011-08-25T09:50:10.799-04:00Back to School | Back to OxfordSturdy. Solid. Built to last. Easier still to carry some lose change in your pocket. <br />
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And - will most likely remind you of your dad.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TBt-RMD1bv4/TlZMsnYnzoI/AAAAAAAAE-0/kvLqSTh02so/s1600/11749_0_1_700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TBt-RMD1bv4/TlZMsnYnzoI/AAAAAAAAE-0/kvLqSTh02so/s400/11749_0_1_700.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">N.D.C made by hand</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qXgtxC-wud4/TlZNLLQ5U5I/AAAAAAAAE-4/9NaMW7blsJE/s1600/paul-smith-assam-brogue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qXgtxC-wud4/TlZNLLQ5U5I/AAAAAAAAE-4/9NaMW7blsJE/s400/paul-smith-assam-brogue.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paul Smith<br />
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</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-22Mbfx01vMs/TlZN7_IIH8I/AAAAAAAAE-8/mXZccWFDImU/s1600/dieppa-restrepo-coca-colo---seaweed-16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-22Mbfx01vMs/TlZN7_IIH8I/AAAAAAAAE-8/mXZccWFDImU/s400/dieppa-restrepo-coca-colo---seaweed-16.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dieppa Restrepo</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IRwtkwqHMpE/TlZOZ7oxtHI/AAAAAAAAE_A/gPDm56Q4y3E/s1600/img-thing.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IRwtkwqHMpE/TlZOZ7oxtHI/AAAAAAAAE_A/gPDm56Q4y3E/s320/img-thing.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sartore</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z11K59Zwgww/TlZSCiIOiNI/AAAAAAAAE_I/jY7RjBwaCZE/s1600/img-thing+%25282%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z11K59Zwgww/TlZSCiIOiNI/AAAAAAAAE_I/jY7RjBwaCZE/s400/img-thing+%25282%2529.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">fiorentini + baker</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BZA-LhMmKos/TlZP_EaibxI/AAAAAAAAE_E/amKCeEnv_n0/s1600/photo+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BZA-LhMmKos/TlZP_EaibxI/AAAAAAAAE_E/amKCeEnv_n0/s400/photo+%25281%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">fiorentini + baker again</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
So stoked-psyched-jazzed-pumped-hyped over these Oxfordian legends. <br />
And happier still that Mr. E. Bay delivered a new pair to my door for a fraction of the original price.<br />
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<br />
<br />
</div>Karen @ BonjourBruxelleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03166644813918395379noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632917404780966532.post-89811400655274905652011-08-17T10:00:00.001-04:002011-08-17T17:13:44.890-04:00Would the Real San Marzano Please Stand Up?When I need tomatoes (off-season), I pretend to be some snobby cook and collect pretty cans of San Marzano tomotoes:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zyBjHkHiECo/TkucCrpVLqI/AAAAAAAAE-o/LfAq2JoLYXM/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zyBjHkHiECo/TkucCrpVLqI/AAAAAAAAE-o/LfAq2JoLYXM/s400/photo.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">image | cloudy iphone</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Marzano_tomato"><b>The San Marzano</b></a> tomato. These iconic red plummy tomatoes are grown just outside of Naples, in the volcanic earth near Mt. Vesuvius - a super specific area that produces super juicy and super delicious tomatoes. The go-to when it's NOT tomato season. And apparently, not all San Marzanos are really from San Marzano. Faux tomatoes, falsely labeled. *Gasp*<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5_0wQjFEakw/Tku9BFLCpjI/AAAAAAAAE-s/bAu3Byy9Rmw/s1600/Map.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5_0wQjFEakw/Tku9BFLCpjI/AAAAAAAAE-s/bAu3Byy9Rmw/s1600/Map.gif" /></a></div><br />
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According to <b><a href="http://gustiamo.typepad.com/gustiblog/">the Gusti Blog</a></b>, written by Beatrice Ughi, an Italian-born, NY-based specialty food importer, there are several ways to identify the real San Marzano. Herewith:<br />
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First thing you do, you check the tin's label: <br />
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it MUST say "Pomodoro San Marzano dell'Agro Sarnese Nocerino D.O.P."<br />
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it MUST have the symbol of the Consorzio;<br />
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it MUST have the symbol of the DOP; <br />
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it MUST have a "N° XXXXXXX", which is the Number assigned to the tin by the Consorzio.<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 13px;"></span><br />
<ol></ol><br />
With anything labeled organic, diced, chopped, pureed, etc. it gets even more complicated. But. If you want the real deal, the San Marzano tomato makes all the difference in a solid authentically <a href="http://events.nytimes.com/recipes/3388/1984/05/09/Silvano-Marchettos-Penne-AllArrabiata-Pasta-with-hot-chili-pepper-and-garlic/recipe.html"><i><b>Penne all'Arrabbiata.</b></i></a><br />
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<b>(credit goes to <a href="http://dinersjournal.blogs.nytimes.com/tag/san-marzano/">Diner's Journal</a> for the scoop on this) </b><b><i></i></b>Karen @ BonjourBruxelleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03166644813918395379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632917404780966532.post-88391171265081409712011-08-15T18:31:00.001-04:002011-08-15T18:38:37.895-04:00Boston's ICA Hosts Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series | August 20I'm not kidding. Whether you love or hate <b><a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?q=ica+boston+cliff+diving&um=1&hl=en&sa=N&biw=1048&bih=535&tbm=isch&tbnid=KOx8UKxOhMV9NM:&imgrefurl=http://theersatzvegetarian.tumblr.com/post/5870136292/cliff-diving-off-the-roof-of-the-ica-boston&docid=UIehv71TuPb1nM&w=500&h=285&ei=Sp1JTpKYH9Kv0AG-l5DrBw&zoom=1&iact=rc&dur=372&page=1&tbnh=95&tbnw=166&start=0&ndsp=15&ved=1t:429,r:2,s:0&tx=157&ty=45">the cantilevered building</a></b>, professional athletes from around the world will be leaping off of it into the Boston harbor on August 20. 80 Feet. Into the harbor. Free and open to the public. Gasps welcome, too. <br />
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In case you need a better visual, here's the promo. Vertigo much?<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/GhjqxQ3_UQI" width="640"></iframe><br />
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Full death-defying details <b><a href="http://www.icaboston.org/red_bull_cliff_diving/">*here*</a></b>.Karen @ BonjourBruxelleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03166644813918395379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632917404780966532.post-75600739474754171462011-08-15T18:03:00.000-04:002011-08-15T18:03:48.694-04:00Bespoke MeI know. Me and scarves. I have nothing short of an obsession.....and today's all about taming this <b><a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UaLWp72nij4/TO287BXKwqI/AAAAAAAAVmg/SIkVpJVIZoc/s1600/brian-may.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.celebheightsite.com/2010/11/brian-may-height.html&h=468&w=330&sz=42&tbnid=WTGwYxnDdyeGtM:&tbnh=90&tbnw=63&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dbrian%2Bmay%26tbm%3Disch%26tbo%3Du&zoom=1&q=brian+may&docid=ujlMcik8nrdAwM&sa=X&ei=ppNJTpG5M5CUtwfY-MjwBQ&ved=0CE8Q9QEwBQ&dur=2956">Brian May head of hair</a></b> I've got, due to the rain and the humidity. And the rain. So, a well-arranged scarf seems like just the ticket to solve my frizz-a-thon.<br />
<br />
Only this scarf is different. Bespoke. By <b><a href="http://haydenharnett.com/index.cgi?action=bespoke_scarf">Hayden-Harnett</a>, </b>those ever-so craft devils from Brooklyn, NY. <br />
<br />
"Your image. Your imagination. Your scarf." On either sand-washed silk or silk chiffon. In four sizes. I went for the gargantuan 40x40. Natch. And three weeks delivery seemed fair enough.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c1aTIJ-Dwws/TkmVZTGMVRI/AAAAAAAAE-Y/moHw3C5qw00/s1600/capri+2007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c1aTIJ-Dwws/TkmVZTGMVRI/AAAAAAAAE-Y/moHw3C5qw00/s640/capri+2007.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">image | by me capri 2007</td></tr>
</tbody></table>And until 9/1, save 50% with BESPOKEME at checkout.Karen @ BonjourBruxelleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03166644813918395379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632917404780966532.post-50476335858439247712011-08-11T10:51:00.000-04:002011-08-11T10:51:12.131-04:00oeuf à la coque<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qnNMIchBFmQ/TkKZhSqizdI/AAAAAAAAE98/SAsC9X1Crfo/s640/oeuf.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="480" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">image | me</td></tr>
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</div>4 minutes. 3 if you really prefer runny. And you've got the best little package of something close to yellow nirvana or hollandaise, laced with protein goodness. Like a sunny yellow gravy. And you really only need one. Egg, that is.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kD_5nbgWYgY/TkKa562iWMI/AAAAAAAAE-A/_Tlkj_J30SQ/s1600/3812650342_6d87c5c0b9_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kD_5nbgWYgY/TkKa562iWMI/AAAAAAAAE-A/_Tlkj_J30SQ/s1600/3812650342_6d87c5c0b9_z.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">image | <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/schwurlie/">schwurlie</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Compendium of egg boiling perfection and information can be found <a href="http://www.seriouseats.com/2009/10/the-food-lab-science-of-how-to-cook-perfect-boiled-eggs.html"><b>*here*</b></a>.Karen @ BonjourBruxelleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03166644813918395379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632917404780966532.post-75742384074327198712011-08-10T12:15:00.000-04:002011-08-10T12:15:12.057-04:00of Monks and Potions<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SPMYyBRxFSo/TkKnUDotUYI/AAAAAAAAE-E/2bgL-e2eCv0/s1600/5693716990_f13d9fb488_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SPMYyBRxFSo/TkKnUDotUYI/AAAAAAAAE-E/2bgL-e2eCv0/s640/5693716990_f13d9fb488_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">image | <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/teelicht/">teelicht</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Since the 1400's, <a href="http://www.santamarianovella.com.br/"><b>Farmacia di Santa Maria Novella</b></a> has been producing all sorts of balms and creams and tinctures of herbal wonder. In 1612, the Dominican monks opened this <i>farmacia</i> to the public. It is now one of the oldest in the world. And we were lucky enough to literally stumbled upon it as we were headed to the Florence train station.<br />
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It's claimed that not many of the original recipes have changed much over the past gajillion years. It certainly was one of the most spectacular sites we came upon on Florence. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cqor4YeeXyk/TkKsXyWXsOI/AAAAAAAAE-M/MlxNYb-rZLg/s1600/body-milk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cqor4YeeXyk/TkKsXyWXsOI/AAAAAAAAE-M/MlxNYb-rZLg/s320/body-milk.jpg" width="273" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0Al8L4U2tas/TkKtDl2oQqI/AAAAAAAAE-Q/gZ_KXpI8FaE/s1600/santa_maria_novella.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0Al8L4U2tas/TkKtDl2oQqI/AAAAAAAAE-Q/gZ_KXpI8FaE/s1600/santa_maria_novella.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bv9glv5KOyg/TkKt0HT8UAI/AAAAAAAAE-U/8tdLpufbUpc/s1600/Logo_Intro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bv9glv5KOyg/TkKt0HT8UAI/AAAAAAAAE-U/8tdLpufbUpc/s320/Logo_Intro.jpg" width="280" /></a></div><br />
and nearly all the flowers and herbs and natural whatnot is grown in the hills of Florence - just for the added local Florentine magic.Karen @ BonjourBruxelleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03166644813918395379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632917404780966532.post-63264068192870077122011-08-08T12:45:00.001-04:002011-08-08T12:50:09.472-04:00My Gosh - What Ganache!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zk5OY4LSFbc/TkALyhI5gAI/AAAAAAAAE9o/6sgDjXCjo78/s1600/chocolate_olive_oil_ganache1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zk5OY4LSFbc/TkALyhI5gAI/AAAAAAAAE9o/6sgDjXCjo78/s1600/chocolate_olive_oil_ganache1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Being one that has something close to an obsession to sweet and savory combinations (and would dip french <a href="http://www.slashfood.com/2006/08/05/you-got-french-fries-in-my-frosty/"><b>fries into my chocolate frosty</b></a> when I was college), this ganache that we had in Florence, made with the oil from local, organic olives was <i>molto delizioso</i>.<br />
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I can't say enough about this recipe and how mighty fantastic and easy it is to whip together. Given to me by our hostess, Elisabetta Galardi of <a href="http://www.poggiopiano.it/"><b>Fattoria di Poggiopiano</b></a>, it's like nearly every recipe from Italy: a few, simple ingredients of the freshest quality makes for a non-fail dish.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YJXLVCsTLCo/TkAOntOU7LI/AAAAAAAAE9s/HgsGHXO8eDk/s1600/chocolate_olive_oil_ganache2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YJXLVCsTLCo/TkAOntOU7LI/AAAAAAAAE9s/HgsGHXO8eDk/s640/chocolate_olive_oil_ganache2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S9gI24k56bU/TkAOvXPdA5I/AAAAAAAAE9w/tHNwK0zDNrk/s1600/chocolate_olive_oil_ganache3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S9gI24k56bU/TkAOvXPdA5I/AAAAAAAAE9w/tHNwK0zDNrk/s640/chocolate_olive_oil_ganache3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">all images | londoneats</td></tr>
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For the chocolate and olive oil ganache:<br />
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• 8 oz. dark, semi-sweet chocolate (64%), chopped into small pieces<br />
• 1/2 cup heavy cream<br />
• 1/4 cup white sugar<br />
• 1/2 cup olive oil<br />
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Heat the cream and sugar in a saucepan. Boil for 30 seconds. Pour over the chocolate, and stir until smooth (if not all of the chocolate melts, return to the saucepan and warm very gently until smooth, and return to the bowl).<br />
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Allow the mixture to cool slightly, and add the olive oil, stirring constantly. Allow to cool completely until firm (in the fridge, if necessary).<br />
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Serve on warm toasted sourdough bread, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle some kosher salt over the top - take a bite, close your eyes, sit back, and sigh (and maybe you'll find yourselves in Tuscany).<br />
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Karen @ BonjourBruxelleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03166644813918395379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632917404780966532.post-38680542308066951892011-08-04T11:05:00.000-04:002011-08-04T11:05:39.989-04:00Franklin Park Zoo + Widow GrassIt's all about what you wear on your head. <br />
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And I really wanted to see some dancing....but like most Boston audiences, they're a little too-cool-for-school. Enjoy. and Happy Thursday!<br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="338" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/24853782?color=5400f0" width="601"></iframe><br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/24853782">Grass Widow "Milo Minute"</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/whatrabbit">what rabbit</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
Grass Widow plays for gorillas Gigi, Kiki, Kira, Kimani, Kambiri and Kit, at the Franklin Park Zoo in Boston, Massachusetts.<br />
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Directed by Aubree Bernier-Clarke<br />
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Produced by Laurel Braitman<br />
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Production Assistant: Mikey Stoltz<br />
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Our utmost thanks to the hardworking staff of the Franklin Park Zoo and the gorillas.<br />
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wizardmountain.org/grasswidow<br />
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animalmadness.com/music-for-animalsKaren @ BonjourBruxelleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03166644813918395379noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632917404780966532.post-49989326765750133672011-08-03T09:21:00.001-04:002011-08-03T10:55:16.699-04:00The Triumph of Neptune<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><div style="text-align: left;">This is the sign of an old umbrella shop that sits at the end of our little street in Brussels. A very cool sign that I tried countless times to photograph to no avail:</div></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gy9k-dFl9Qw/TjgMSjuXkbI/AAAAAAAAE9c/QMI2OUkkHrE/s1600/5861437198_c4c2d577e5_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gy9k-dFl9Qw/TjgMSjuXkbI/AAAAAAAAE9c/QMI2OUkkHrE/s640/5861437198_c4c2d577e5_o.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">image | tim borco (way better frame)</td></tr>
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When the sign was rolled up into the top of the window, this appeared:<br />
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The front of one of the most creative restaurants I've ever enjoyed in Brussels. <b><a href="http://neptuneresto.com/site/">Neptune</a></b>. Featuring one menu at <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 14px;">€</span>36<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 14px;">, </span>or roughly $50, that changes weekly. <br />
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Simple. Clever. Artistic. Mostly Organic. Mostly Local. Six tables. And the heart of the chef poured into every dish.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="510" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Nn3Ps8_CGoU" width="640"></iframe><br />
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And if one had endless hours, time could last forever here.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TmfeC3CSjGI/TjiQLYs4UfI/AAAAAAAAE9g/dEkVanyP5lU/s1600/IMG_1433.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TmfeC3CSjGI/TjiQLYs4UfI/AAAAAAAAE9g/dEkVanyP5lU/s640/IMG_1433.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="neptune.png (367×156)" height="85" src="http://winebar-waterloo.be/picts-S/neptune.png" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic',Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">48 rue Lesbroussart 1050 Ixelles - Bruxelles / Brussels</span></b></span></div><br />
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and more about this culinary wonder, check out <b><a href="http://lacuisineaquatremains.blogs.lalibre.be/archive/2011/04/28/neptune-table-d-auteur.html">Cooking for Four Hands</a> </b>and <b><a href="http://www.lefooding.com/bonne-nouvelle/restaurant-le-neptune-bruxelles.html">LEFOODING.COM</a> </b>(and enlist google translate, if necessary).<br />
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</div>Karen @ BonjourBruxelleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03166644813918395379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632917404780966532.post-53648979969363337462011-08-02T07:10:00.012-04:002011-08-02T07:10:00.306-04:00Introducing the Dutch Cargo BikeThis makes total sense to me. I hate driving, take my bike or public trans whenever I can. But this grocery sherpa would so much rather use this cargo bike than strap on multiple backpacks or satchels to carry bags up from the grocery store.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l9lpgyCS1gw/TjbfOs4hlPI/AAAAAAAAE9E/nEeWL2PX0fg/s1600/bakfiets_0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l9lpgyCS1gw/TjbfOs4hlPI/AAAAAAAAE9E/nEeWL2PX0fg/s1600/bakfiets_0.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://bakfiets.nl/">bakfiets.nl</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><a href="http://bakfiets.nl/eng/"><b>It's called a Dutch Cargo Bike or 'Bakfiets</b></a>'. We saw them all over the place last month in Brussels and Amsterdam, in the lands of Bikes First, Cars Second. And I usually saw this:<br />
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Perfectly safe, helmetless happy riders taking a cart load of helmetless kids off to some other helmetless destination. Frankly, I'd be happier finding my way over to <a href="http://southendformaggio.com/"><b>South End Formaggio</b></a> for a week's worth of wine and cheese.....helmet or not.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YvtxNjjk90w/Tjb_EC37R6I/AAAAAAAAE9M/JnuZWQnwDSA/s1600/5138759182_05a330a84f_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YvtxNjjk90w/Tjb_EC37R6I/AAAAAAAAE9M/JnuZWQnwDSA/s1600/5138759182_05a330a84f_z.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Also, here's a link to a <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/31/opinion/sunday/the-dutch-way-bicycles-and-fresh-bread.html?_r=1&smid=fb-nytimes&WT.mc_id=OP-SM-E-FB-SM-LIN-TDW-080111-NYT-NA&WT.mc_ev=click"><b>recent NYTimes article</b></a><b> </b>about how the Dutch have mastered the art of safe biking and fresh bread in Amsterdam.<b><br />
</b>Karen @ BonjourBruxelleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03166644813918395379noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632917404780966532.post-36338535041950727732011-08-01T09:32:00.000-04:002011-08-01T09:32:58.120-04:00Menu Design In America, 1850-1985And I'm back. Back from a good month-long swing through Europe with family, back from a good two week break from the blahgity-blahg, and back from a mental vacation of that school-work routine. I have loads of stuff to share with you, unique little finds, discoveries, gems that I came across while in Brussels, Paris, Florence, and Amsterdam but today, it's all about <a href="http://www.taschen.com/pages/en/catalogue/popculture/all/06785/facts.menu_design_in_america_18501985.htm"><b>Menu Design in America,</b></a> from <a href="http://www.taschen.com/" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>TASCHEN</b></a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qXog2Q-f_Xc/TjalolcanPI/AAAAAAAAE8g/cVFsk-QyBYo/s1600/menu-design-in-america.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qXog2Q-f_Xc/TjalolcanPI/AAAAAAAAE8g/cVFsk-QyBYo/s1600/menu-design-in-america.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">image | <a href="http://www.taschen.com/pages/en/catalogue/popculture/all/06785/facts.menu_design_in_america_18501985.htm"><b>TASCHEN</b></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>One massive collection of menus, dating from 1850-1985. "<i>Menu Design</i> is an omnibus showcasing the best examples of this graphic art. With <b>nearly 800 examples</b>, illustrated in vibrant color, this deluxe volume not only showcases this extraordinary collection of paper ephemera but serves as <b>a history of restaurants and dining out in America</b>."<br />
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Ever the sucker for typeface and graphic design + historical reference to the culinary habits of early Americana, I thought this was definitely worthy of my first post back.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2DTiTHoYq2o/TjaniMDz9JI/AAAAAAAAE8k/r58auOlv_To/s1600/empireroom.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2DTiTHoYq2o/TjaniMDz9JI/AAAAAAAAE8k/r58auOlv_To/s320/empireroom.png" width="239" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">above images | the <a href="http://blogs.villagevoice.com/forkintheroad/2011/07/menu_design_in.php"><b>village voice </b></a><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">above images | <b><a href="http://www.taschen.com/pages/en/catalogue/popculture/all/06785/facts.menu_design_in_america_18501985.htm">TASCHEN</a></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Karen @ BonjourBruxelleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03166644813918395379noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632917404780966532.post-31759610690790260992011-07-15T14:26:00.001-04:002011-07-15T14:27:22.343-04:00domani l'Italia!To Florence @ 4:00 am, 16 July, 2011 - an ungodly hour to anyone - 'cept anyone that hasn't been to Florence, Italy. Or anyone that hasn't been to Florence in over 20 years, when you fell in love with both the man you'd marry and a country that made you swoon.<br />
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Since our two weeks in Brussels, we've had a lovely and short and fully loaded, <b><a href="http://bonjourbruxelles.blogspot.com/2011/07/demain-paris-avec-les-enfants.html">three day stint in Paris</a></b>. We've been back in Brussels for the work week. And tomorrow we leave for our official vacation. Four years ago we took the family to the <b><a href="http://bonjourbruxelles.blogspot.com/2007/08/our-little-mediterranean-villaggio.html">Amalfi coast,</a></b> seaside lovers that we are. This time we will be staying at an<b><a href="http://www.agriturismo.net/"> agriturismo</a></b>, a villa in Fiesole, that is known for it's <b><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6OHOFCa_XhM">Chianti and bold reds</a></b> and spectacular views of the Arno river valley.<br />
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"Will we have to work on the farm?"<br />
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"Only if you're lucky."Karen @ BonjourBruxelleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03166644813918395379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632917404780966532.post-13687099109862270952011-07-08T12:55:00.003-04:002011-07-08T15:19:53.572-04:00Demain, Paris (avec les enfants)And we're off to the City of Light tomorrow. A quick visit, that will include something for the young folk (tourist-trap nation, I'm sure) and something for us (underground, secret awesomeness).<br />
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</div><div>Maybe a picnic with the padlocks ("love locks") on Pont Des Arts.....</div><div><br />
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Or maybe a lot of oohing and ahhing while we pass by Notre Dame with a trip on the Seine.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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and then a stroll through the Marais to Place de Vosges - </div><div><br />
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And all those historic, ancient, fire-hazard-y restaurants that I love so much....</div><div><br />
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One thing you can bank on: we will walk, we will eat, we will drink, and we WILL take it all in.</div><div><br />
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</div>Karen @ BonjourBruxelleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03166644813918395379noreply@blogger.com0