September 3, 2012

Have you ever eaten...

Cicchetti ?

Well you haven't until you've been to San Carlo Cicchetti.  Their newest location in London's Piccadilly launched just weeks ago, and the energy - and provisions - are second to none.


Starting with a warm welcome from Carlo himself, my senses were flooded with an array of fresh ingredients, the chic market-inspired décor, the aromas of a fiery pizza hearth, and the lively buzz of friends sharing abundant "small" plates that explode with flavour and colour.


Greeted next by a plentiful assortment of breads, olives and dripping oil, I relaxed at the cool marble bar and excitedly took in the scenery.  Cecchetti, by the way, are a typical Venetian fare - small snacks for mixing and sharing any time of day.  That inspiring atmosphere resonates here at Carlo's.


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Saying nothing more than "anything," "small," and "vegetariana," my wildest food fantasies were set in motion.  Generous servings of grilled veggies, sun-dried tomatoes, and creamy, carb-a-licous pastas quickly arrived.  My bowl was made of parmesan cheese.  Need I say more?? 


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That warm buzz of energy never subsided though eventually the lunchtime crowd did and I could chat a little more with the gracious staff.  And to think all I was hoping for from my 4 hours in London was a beer buzz and some fish & chips.  I was happily converted.


Mangia!  


August 13, 2012

In season... SANGRIA!

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If you haven't been celebrating the fruits of summer yet, it's high time to fill your glass with juicy bits of peach, pear and plum - or whatever you have on hand - shake it up with fluids of your choice and sip in the bright flavors of this bountiful season.


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So how DO you make sangria?  Well, don't be afraid to experiment; there's really no wrong answer.

In a carafe, toss together:
- a diced medley of whatever ripe fruit you please: apple, apricot, berry, even banana if you dare, kiwi, melon, citrus... 
- wine: red or white.  Choose an unoaked red with punchy fruit, like a malbec or zinfandel, or a pinot noir for a lighter body.  For whites, think crisp and fruity with low acid, like pinot gris or for a bit more body, an unoaked chardonnay.
- fortify your potion with a higher-proof spirit: triplesec or brandy for rich flavor, rum or vodka for a bigger buzz
- pump up the fruit with a splash of juice - a cranberry blend or a white grape work well
- add some bubbles with seltzer or Sprite  
- Soak in the summer vibe!  


And if that's just too much to handle, hop on your Harley and head to Rhodes North Tavern in Sloatsburg, NY, where a refreshing mason jar of sangria awaits.  Grab a dozen oysters and a chair on the sand.

- There's still fun for the virgins.  Try Vandalia Wine for a N.A. version that's refreshing as well. 


August 7, 2012

Have you ever been to ...

LAKE PLACID, NY  ?

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Whether you're running the Iron Man, playing lacrosse, or leisurely launching kayaks, there are hundreds of reasons to visit this Olympic town.  The first week in August, the Lake Placid Lacrosse Classic stirs up the town bringing generations of stick-twisting fans to flank the shores of Mirror Lake and nurse wounds in the shadow of the 1980 Olympic torch.


Congratulations to the the Ladies Masters Division for its 2nd year at the Classic, and cheers to the Dirty Dragons, Hound Dawgs & the Dutch Masters for a great weekend on and off the field


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A great place to start is the Lake Placid pub & brewery, with tasty, creative dishes - like Josh's Fire Fish - to pair with your Ubu Ale.


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Save a little cash by camping at Meadowbrook Campground and grab a few more brews to-go.  Relax by a campfire, or bring your bevs afloat for a scenic cruise from Lake Placid Marina & Boat Tours.


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When your beer buzz wears off, drop into Goose Watch Winery's tasting room on Main Street.  Their offerings reflect typical NY varietals like a cool-climate Gewurtz, but their Lemberger was a nice, spicy alternative, similar to a Washington pinot noir.  To expand your cellar even further, visit the Smoking Cork a few paces away, and while you're there, pick up a bottle of P3 Placid Vodka - smooth and delicious.  Peek next door at Vision of Tibet for a unique array of artisan wares.
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At last, an awesome BBQ joint this pescatarian can enjoy.  And enjoy, I did!  Grab some buddies and take a short drive out towards Saranac Lake.  You can't miss Tail O' The Pup, tikis ablaze, with live music cranking on weekends and a buzzing family crowd meandering about the picnic tables, ice cream stand, sandbox and game tables.  The apple crisp rounded out the night as perfectly as the weekend rounded out my belly.  No regrets.






My brother, Anthony & I were each recovering our sports-related ailments but we still made a great time of the weekend in Lake Placid.  Anytime of year, this destination has a lot to offer.  

What do you like best about Lake Placid?

July 31, 2012

In season... WATERMELON!

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Cold, crisp, drippy and just a little sweet, it is exactly as refreshing as its name suggests.

So you decided to buy a whole melon at $.XX/ lb instead of a cut portion for a little bit more per pound (well, you did if you were me), and while it really never does get old on its own, what can you do to dress up this lovely little summer staple?  

I skewered little wedges with slivers of hard ricotta cheese and topped each pair with a mint leaf.  A beautiful, mild hors d'oeuvre to add to a light summer dinner.

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Pair it with a GOOD rosé.  I'm a fan of Castello di Ama Rosato,(2011) which is fuller-bodied and fragrant, with a long finish and not quite as minerally as some other roses come.  


While you're at it, surf around Castello di Ama's website.  Some cool art and education.  Another reason to appreciate the wine!


CHEERS!

July 25, 2012

In season...AVOCADO

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Yeah, they're high in fat, but it's heart-healthy unsaturated fat in this nutrient-dense, delicious little "alligator fruit."  Diced up in my salad, ripe avocados create a creamy dressing all their own, and when I'm not worried about the fat at all, I throw slices on a baguette and melt some brie on top.  REALLY delish!


But what makes a party a fiesta - guacamole!  There are as many recipes as their are avocado varieties (actually, there are way more recipes), but my favorite is totally simple:
- finely diced white or Vidalia onion (about 1/2 cup)
- juice of 2 limes
- cilantro (if you so enjoy)
mash up with 2 diced avocados and voila!  


And if you want a little pop of color and heat, mix in finely diced red chiles and green onion.


I'm partial to baked-only chips, but this recipe is pretty darn good on the indulgent chili lime chip varieties too.


Want more info, recipes and beautiful images?  Check out these commissions:





July 17, 2012

News/ Updates - Iron Matt


Matthew Inhaled Life and Exhaled Joy

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Doctors know very little about childhood brain cancer today. The Iron Matt foundation was created by Kelly Larson in memory of her son, Matthew, a boy who loved to go to school, play baseball and soccer, work in the yard, cook, fish, swim, and ride his bike. 


The goal of Iron Matt is to raise awareness and funds needed to overcome pediatric brain tumors and to help the families and children affected by it. You can also read more about the Larsons' story in Woman's World Magazine this week.



July 16, 2012

In season... SPROUTS

Line the bottom of your favorite salad concoction - like this one topped with pumpkin seeds, coconut, roasted peppers and goat cheese - with a fistful of sprouts for an antioxidant boast and a crispy little pop.

Find out the benefits of all the popular sprouts, from alfalfa to sunflower: 

July 10, 2012

News / Updates - Swinging at CF

25 Years - And hopefully the LAST

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Recognize that southpaw swing?  It's none other than football great Boomer Esiason, knocking it home in support of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at Monday's 25th Annual Wall Street Charity Golf Classic at Winged Foot Country Club.  Esiason, a long time supporter of the fight to cure Cystic Fibrosis, even before his own son's diagnosis, finished handsomely with his foursome, including co-host Craig Carton

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That stifling heat finally broke giving way to a perfect day on the turf.  The course was in great shape and the delicate balance of moisture was well managed by the crew.  (Golfers: always be kind to your groundkeepers!)

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SWAG, prizes and really delicious meals aside, participants went home with hearts full.  Moving and informative speakers rallied incredible support, adding more and more tomorrows.  Event Founder Tom Hughes was proud to see the tournament flourish in its 25 years, but shared the hope that next year, there won't be a need for such a fundraiser... when CF just stands for Cure Found.

For more photos of the event, visit: http://www.megbaggott.com/cff/golf2012

July 9, 2012

News/Updates - Staying Healthy in Summer


I photographed personal trainer and nutritionist Ariane Hundt for the eating well feature in Woman's World Magazine.  Pick it up on stands today.

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Ariane eats lots of fresh veggies and kicks butts at her Brooklyn Bridge Bootcamp. 



photo from Ariane Hundt

See Ariane's blog http://www.slimandstrongblog.com, which includes some helpful tips on staying fit. Her recent post entitled Leftover Love (left) accompanies a wonderful recipe of leftovers heated up on bell peppers.









July 5, 2012

Have you ever been to...

WESTHAMPTON BEACH, NY ?

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Meg Baggott Images

It was pretty windy at the Westhampton Bath & Tennis Hotel & Marina, but it was a welcome retreat from the sweltering temps westward.  The resort is really lovely and the staff was gracious and helpful. A brief shoot with tennis pro Doug Dean was great fun as he told me tales of his travels with Kenny Rogers and a few pointers on my backswing. 

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Picture-perfect Main Street Westhampton offered a lot of inspiration, with shops like Silver Spoons and Rags, to plug a few friendly folks, reflecting awesome colors and culture.   

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Make SURE you stop at the Beach Bakery Cafe for a sensory delight where young Europeans serve up endless offerings of housemade pastries, cakes, breads and refreshments.  Try the raspberry mint iced tea and a sugar-topped apple dumpling - a whole baked apple inside a perfect pastry orb! - or, the gigantic macaroons.  Worth every calorie!

Have you ever been?  Share your tales...

June 21, 2012

Have you ever been to...

TELLURIDE, COLORADO ?
Ring in festival season!


Ever hear of those vortexes of the earth from where positive energy - some kind of magnetic field of good karma - radiates?  Welcome to Telluride.  Now toss in a mandolin, and a menagerie of pickers the likes of Bela Fleck, Sam Bush, and endless jams from Yonder Mountain String Band - just to name a few, and you have the king of all summer music festivals: The Telluride Bluegrass Festival.  

Now, to be completely honest, I really hate to spread the word of this tiny festival (tickets sold out in about an hour this year!) Set at the base of a spectacular box canyon in the heart of the San Juan range, Telly can only support a fairly small affair.  If you were lucky enough to land Warner Field tickets this year, stop by "Camp Blow-It-Out" and check out all of their solutions for sustainable celebrating.  http://www.bluegrass.com/telluride/



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June 2011 (these shots were taken a day apart...How cool is that?!)
Not one of the lucky ones? Head to a vortex near you: The Grassroots Festival of Music & Dance in Trumansburg, NY.  Just outside of "gorges" Ithaca, this down-home festival is the real deal.  The atmosphere is super-friendly and the living is easy.  The food offering can't be beat, though I'm a fan of preparing a spread with friends.  Don't forget your favorite noisemaker; jam circles spring up 'round the clock.  Don't miss the velvety voice of Uniit, the hypnotic grooves of Plastic Nebraska, nor the ceaseless celebration put on by Thousands of One. http://www.grassrootsfest.org/festival/
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Meg Baggott Images


June 19, 2012

In Season... STRAWBERRIES

I admit - I loved Strawberry Shortcake.  And I'm not talking about the delicious cream treat you see above... I had all the dolls - Huckleberry Pie, Lemon Meringue, even wicked ol' Sour Grapes.  I think this early passion was a fitting segue to my love of colorful foods. 


And now, this season, the super sweet and nostalgic aroma of fresh, ripe strawberries abounds.  I picked up 2 lbs. for a few bucks and whipped up these merry-makers in minutes.  


How many of Strawberry Shortcake's friends can you name??  
(Here's a cheatsheet when you're ready...)




Anyone who knows me knows I hate to waste a beloved piece of produce, so what do I do with those super-ripe berries not pretty enough for my shortcake?  Throw 'em the blender of course! This basic, PG smoothie includes about a 1/2 cup of vanilla yogurt, and a splash of berry juice, but why not use Bacardi Dragon Berry instead of yogurt for a different kind of sauce.



June 10, 2012

In Season - HERBS

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Parsley, sage, rosemary, thyme... lavender, cilantro, tarragon, chive... Fragrant, delicate bouquets set the table this season and the possibilities are endless.  I love to snip up a mixed bunch in my salad for a surprise with every bite.  If you're not afraid of flavor, herbs are so fun to experiment with, so try a new combo and let us know what you discover.

The Garden Gimlet:
Ok, it’s not really a gimlet (gin based), but it is 8 ounces of refreshing paradise, brought to you from Puerta Plata…

-Generous handful of chopped herbs: basil, mint, parsley, watercress
-5oz Brugal Anejo
-2oz freshly squeezed jugo de naranja
-dash of bubbles (soda water), if you so desire
-serve over ice and take in a warm breeze


Cheers!

June 1, 2012

Have you ever been to...

ALASKA?

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In a stroke of misfortune, I lost my wallet about 2 hours into my week-long trip to Alaska. A serious challenge while traveling alone, but since I was prepared for camping and resourceful by nature, I took the experience in stride. There was plenty of inspiration with 20+ hours of gorgeous soft-box daylight overhead. With my Coleman stove and fair stock of rations I made my veggieful ramen soup, which I sipped on the shore of Resurrection Bay.  This stove rocks: Coleman Exponent Multi-fuel



In an amazing stroke of good fortune, my wallet was recovered (perfectly intact!). Tired of the dreary wetness of the Kenai Peninsula, I headed 5 hours north to Denali National Park. I camped riverside, and hiked well into the night (11pm!), whistling and singing loudly to alert any unsuspecting wildlife of my approach.  My happiness-factor soared. Further good fortune granted me an uncovered view of Mount McKinley’s snowcapped peak, a rare sight typically shrouded by vapor.