Tuesday, June 30, 2009

A melange

Julie Andrews was wrong: the beginning is not a very good place to start. Because quite honestly, when does one actually start in the very beginning. We come into relationships, places, feelings and thoughts most often in the middle.

However, Alice in Wonderland was right: What is the use of a book without pictures or conversations?

This is a blog of pictures and conversations, entering in the middle of my life in the middle of adventures already embarked upon and decisions only half made. Thoughts on books, restaurants, music, recipes and such things which make one GreenSugar girl happy are welcome.

Friday, June 19, 2009

Birchwood Kitchens

Birchwood opened early summer and I first checked it out about 2 weeks after they opened. Ordered at the counter and stroll out to the herb filled, ivy-lined patio to wait for our sandwiches...I had brought a few anchor steams to accompany sandwiches on the patio and after figuring out that their wine key didn't have an opener on it (gasp!) Ernesto was brought out from behind the line to demonstrate his incredible gift of opening beers with a mega chef's knife. Accommodating and entertaining, to say the least.

Started by the fromagier from Pastorale and friends, all the sandwiches I've had thus far are a delight:  normally on the smokier side, or perhaps that's just what my palate usually leads me to order. As of August just added burgers to their menu (Tuesday-Saturday) and the turkey burger with chipotle may is fantastic. Plus if you go on a Wednesday in August, burgers are buy one get one... DEAL! BYO and get a sandwich free? Come on. I know there's a recession on but let's be honest, you can't resist.

Birchwood Kitchens on Urbanspoon

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Running down the Rabbit Hole at Alinea

From Alice in Wonderland: "Well! I've often seen a cat without a grin; but a grin without a cat! It's the most curious thing I ever say in my life!"

Alinea takes you down the rabbit hole, turning worlds upside down, clocks backwards, or rather, food on thin air, scents developed from nothing and flavors exploding out of tiny containers. I loved it. I kept expecting our wild haired sommelier to ask, "and who my dear, are you?" since this food clearly knew who it was and where it should be. Totally a wild ride and worth every minute.

Alinea on Urbanspoon