Columbus Day in the City!

It was supposed to be just a regular Sunday. A little relaxing, some work. I had to take a drive to North Beach (the Italian section of San Francisco) to do an important errand. Little did I know that yesterday was the Columbus Day parade AND Fleet Week, which is when the Blue Angels Navy flight team stages a loud and crazy air show. Oh boy. I was in trouble. I had no clue that this was going on. I hate crowds!

There must have been 250,000 people in North Beach yesterday. Can you believe that there was actually a parking garage charging $55 to park? Unreal. I was so frustrated with the gridlock traffic, that I forked out $20 just to park, which was a bargain!

People were lined up for blocks dining curbside, while watching the City's oldest civic event and the nation's oldest Italian-American parade, a San Francisco institution since it was established in 1868.

But, why was I stuck in the middle of all of these people? I was just trying to run an errand!

Oh, what the heck? Better go with it. I pulled out the camera so I could share some photos with you. This couple (above) was visiting from Italy!

so true.

North Beach is known as San Francisco's Little Italy, with its high density of restaurants, cafes, bakeries and old world delicatessens. It was also the historic section of the beatnik culture. And let's not forget the famous nightclubs and strip clubs. Quite a flavorful neighborhood, and one of my favorites in the City.

Even the street posts are painted the Italian flag colors...my friend Lizzie (above) with Vito...

North Beach is adjacent to Chinatown, so there's more of an ethnic mix now than in the early days when it was mainly Italian American immigrants.

So, there you go. Thanks for joining me at the parade!

Happy Columbus Day!

Have a great week ahead!

Bittersweet Beginnings.

This evening begins the holiest days of the year for the Jewish people-- the start of the Jewish New Year. It's a beautiful holiday; a period of reflection and introspection. It's a time to look back at the past year and seek forgiveness from those you have wronged.

I am certain that most struggle with their first holiday without a loved one. This is the first holiday I'll be celebrating without my mom. Mom always arrived at the synagogue hours early to sit in solitude, and of course, get a good seat. She loved listening to the beautiful music and chanting of the Cantor. When I was young I used to get angry having to go to temple that early, but now I think I understand.

It's surreal thinking back on the memories of our entire family sitting around the table reigning in the New Year with the traditional foods such as apples and honey, symbolizing a sweet year. One by one, they've all passed on, and now the holiday will never feel quite the same. So on this bittersweet Rosh Hashanah I will reflect on the past, holding its memories near and dear, looking to the future with hope.

So my friends, to all who celebrate, wishing you and your families a sweet year full of health, happiness, and peace. Shana Tova!

Fête Nationale!

In just a few hours Bastille Day celebrations begin in France, as well as other countries and cities all over the world.

The storming of Bastille was significant because it symbolized the destruction and end of Louis XVI’s reign. As a result, during the French Revolution the storming of Bastille symbolized liberty, democracy and the struggle against all forms of oppression. Very much like Americans 4th of July.

Will you be celebrating?

Happy Bastille Day everyone!

Having a Nice Weekend?

Hope you're enjoy the start of your weekend. For those of you in the US, it's Memorial Day weekend, when our country pauses for a moment to remember our hero's, both known and unknown. A way to honor our American service members who have fought and continue to fight for our country. And, it generally marks the beginning of Summer!

Whether you're having a barbecue or simply relaxing, enjoy the nice long weekend and back with you next week!

image: Alice B. Gardens

Happy Mother's Day Weekend!

Wishing all of you Mom's a wonderful Mother's Day!

Thanks for all that you do -- your selflessness and caring. Have a relaxing and lovely weekend!

image: source unknown

Easter Greetings...

Wishing you a very Happy Easter!

Enjoy the long weekend and be safe!

image: Irene Lamprakou

Easter Parades

Are any of you going to an Easter Parade?

There is something so glamorous about Judy Garland and Fred Astaire in the movie "Easter Parade," 1948.

Look at the fancy ladies in their bonnets, 1964

Looks like this whole group is ready for a parade! How about you?

In your Easter bonnet, with all the frills upon it,
You'll be the grandest lady in the Easter parade.
I'll be all in clover and when they look you over,
I'll be the proudest fellow in the Easter parade.
On the avenue, Fifth avenue, the photographers will snap us,
And you'll find that you're in the rotogravure.
Oh, I could write a sonnet about your Easter bonnet,
And of the girl I'm taking to the Easter parade.

images: randomly acquired w/ no sources

The Passover Seder

Jews Celebrating Passover. Ukrainian lubok, XIXth century.

This evening begins the first night of Passover, one of my favorite Jewish holidays.

The Passover seder of retelling & reliving the story of the liberation of the Israelites from the slavery in Egypt is a ritual that has been conducted annually by the Jewish people for over 3,300 years.

Tiered seder plate that holds symbolic foods; Eastern Galicia or Western Ukraine, 18th-19th century; The Jewish Museum, New York

The many rituals and symbols of Passover make this such a special holiday. During the seder I always imagine people all over the world doing the exact same prayers, eating the same foods, the children singing the same songs. I love tradition.

19th century matzah covers from The Magnes Museum Collection

Passover textiles include specially designed covers for the matzah, the unleavened bread eaten during the Passover seder. Not very tasty, but you get used to it and like it. It's sort of like a big cracker.

Last year I was in Round Top, Texas for an antiques show. It just so happened that it fell during Passover and the owners of the Bed & Breakfast that we were staying at invited us to their seder. It was so much fun experiencing a seder in another home with the same traditions, but some different things, such as this Schmura matzah (above).

I wondered, what is Schmura matzoh? I always had the regular square-shaped matzah. Shmura matzah is carefully supervised by a rabbi from the moment the grain is harvested until the finished matzahs are packaged. So, basically, the closest to the matzah that they ate thousands of years ago. Apparently you can only find this matzah in select stores on the East Coast. It wasn't my favorite.

But, who doesn't love homemade matzah ball soup any time of year?

my matzah cover, c. 1900

We will be having our seder at my mother-in-law's house, but thought I'd share this old matzah cover (above) that was passed down to me from my great-grandparents, or perhaps great, great-grandparents. It must date around the turn of the 20th century. I just love its detail and hand embroidery, and cherish it as a part of my people's history.

Wishing all who celebrate a Happy Passover!

Poisson d’Avril!

In France "Poisson d'Avril" is a joke made on April 1st. Children try to stick a fish picture on their friends' back. When the joke is discovered, they shout "Poisson d'Avril"!

It's also April Fool's Day in the US. Hope you don't have any tricks played on you!

Happy April Fool's Day!!

Happy St. Patty's Day!

Wishing my Irish (and non-Irish) friends a happy & lucky St. Patrick's Day!

Good Cheer & Good Luck!

Happy Valentine's Day!

There is no remedy for love but to love more. -Henry David Thoreau

photo: Becktress

Gung Hay Fat Choy!

Happy Chinese New Year to all who celebrate!

According to Chinese astrology, 2011 is the Year of the Rabbit which is associated with good luck, longevity and the accumulation of wealth.

If you want to have some fun, click this link to find out what your Chinese Zodiac animal is and short explanation. I am the Year of the Rat. The Rat! One of the things it says about the Rat is "as soon as a rat earns money, he spends it." Well, they could be right!

Anyway, Gung Hay Fat Choy!

images: murpheyblue; Reuters

King or Queen for a Day!

Did you know that today is the last day to eat a galette des Rois?

I recently had lunch at one of my favorite San Francisco French cafés, La Boulange, and was eye-balling these yummy galettes. I couldn't resist sending my friend Janet one of these tasty treats!

During the festival of Epiphany, people in Northern France and Belgium eat the galette des Rois, (flaky puff pastry with almond cream or frangipane.) In the South of France it is called gâteau des Rois or Royaume, and is made of brioche.

collection of "feves"

This is a kind of "kings' cake" with a trinket (feve) -- a porcelain figurine or a bean hidden inside. The person who gets the piece of cake with the trinket becomes "King" or "Queen" for a day. There is a whole collectors market for feves in France.

I've never tasted a galette de rois, but curious to know if Janet ended up getting the slice with the feve and got crowned Queen for a day?

Here's to a fabulous week ahead!

images; Toronto Life; My French Country Home; "World of Interiors” January 2010

Happy New Year's Eve!

I came across this photo of my great-grandparents celebrating New Year's Eve at Bimbo's 365 Club in San Francisco, 1965. They look so happy and decked out with their little hats. Just had to share it with you!

The clock is ticking and it's almost 2011. Thank you so very much for your constant support, comments, encouragement and laughter. You make this all worthwhile!

Wishing you from the bottom of my heart a happy & healthy New Year with all good things!

Now go on and CELEBRATE!

Merry, Merry!

Happy, Happy Christmas, that can win us back to the delusions of our childhood days, recall to the old man the pleasures of his youth, and transport the traveler back to his own fireside and quiet home! -Charles Dickens

Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas!

image: fullobliss

Holiday Arrivals at Paris Hotel Boutique!

Joyeux Noel!

Silver & gold, tinsel & lights, Paris Hotel Boutique brings you new treasures to make your holiday season bright! Please join us to preview them. Highlights include:

• Estate Diamond Rings
• Assorted Miami & Palm Beach Hotel Silver
• Edwardian-era Gentleman Portrait Painting
• Early 20th Century Italian Leather Desk Accessories
• Antique French Jeweled Star
• Vintage Trophies
• 1930's Silver Leaf Armchairs and much more!

{AND as a special thank you, every purchase through the end of the year will receive the delicious gourmet Maison Bouche chocolat! Maison Bouche's packaging is as divine as the scrumptious taste of their confections.}

Happy Chanukah!

The first night of Chanukah begins this evening at sundown. Yes...early this year.

To all who are celebrating, may this beautiful eight day festival of lights be joyous for you and your loved ones.

image from here

Thanksgiving Greetings.

Wishing all of you and your families a Happy Thanksgiving. And for our friends outside of the US, Happy Thanksgiving to you too!

Enjoy your long weekend everyone!

Thankful for Green Bean Casserole.

What would Thanksgiving dinner be without that traditional green bean casserole?

This dish created by Campbell's soup in 1955 has become a staple for the Thanksgiving meal. Oh sure, you can try versions with fresh green beans and various sauces, but personally, give me the canned string beans and the good old Campbell's Cream of Mushroom soup. I love the crispy onion layer on the top.

This is the perfect comfort food. I even saw Trader Joe's had their own version. I so wish I had my Grandmother's plastic casserole tray that she used to serve it in. It was so retro cool --was oven-proof and everything.

Here are a couple of other classics Thanksgiving dishes mentioned on one of my favorite blogs, Old Hat. Let's give them a nod...

We have the very 60's ambrosia salad. Who can resist that mixture? Personally I love it...

I'm not sure about how I feel about tangy creamed turkey casserole. I think I'd rather stick with the traditional turkey.

Do you have any favorite dishes that make a traditional appearance on your Thanksgiving dinner table?

...oh, and if you'd like any of the above recipes, I'm happy to post, but figured you already had them ;)

Happy Halloween!

Wishing you a hauntingly fun Halloween!