My Last Supper

So...on February 21st, Fat Tuesday to be exact, I decided to go on a diet. Thus far, and we are only ten weeks since then, I have been pretty successful and I have lost 44lbs. Not without a little bit of longing however for good food -namely cheese and good drink - namely wine. So before I did away with sugar or as I like to call it "The Devil," I took myself out for a last supper. We have several very good restaurants here in Sacramento. I feel like we should. We are, after all, the capital of California. I love it when people call my town a "cow town." Good...let them think that, it'll keep our population at bay and people needn't necessarily know that we are not a town of bumpkins but have a modicum of sophistication.

For instance, Ella Dining Room. The menu is Michelin ready and the owner Randall Selland of Selland's and The Kitchen knows food. I'm not talking food as in Mac and Cheese (although he can spin this in a delightful and contemporary way) I'm talking World Cuisine.

My Last Supper was magical for lack of a better word. Firstly, Ella is a stately but not stuffy restaurant with an atmosphere of class but a feeling of comfort.

The dinner menu- all the menus offered- have something for everyone. And they are changed and updated seasonally.

The appetizer course was a house made California Burrata cheese topped with smoked olive oil. The cheese sat atop braised collard greens garnished with crispy Kale leaves.

The dish was an excellent helping but by no means was overkill. It was rich but also refreshing. The cheese was dusted with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. The toast corner which accompanied was a perfect accoutrement for layering the onions, greens, cheese and Kale. The gradation of flavors were sumptuous.

My first course is the thing that my husband, my dentist and my oldest, dearest friend craves. It is a basic house made Papparadelle pasta. The verb "pappare" in Italian means "to gobble up."  And with this preparation of these ribbons there is no way that you'd leave any on your plate. 

The strata of flavors on this plate are not to be compared to anything you've ever tasted before. The fresh farm poached egg that creates it's own divinity is coupled by whispers of chives and black pepper. The crumbles of Pancetta adds a savory richness and flavor that is drool worthy. And that lemon butter emulsion is like the white ribbon on the tiffany box; it completes the plate in such a heavenly way that this is the reason I return to Ella. I see no reason (especially since I've given up food) to ever eat any other pasta dish...EVER.

And finally, the piece de resistance...

Why did I take so many photographs you ask? Well, if I could capture the flavor, the essence of this dolce I would. Alas, you'll have to be sated by photos. 

It is a Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta with a Tapioca coulis, garnished with supremes and coriander blossoms.

 Coriander is synonymous with Cilantro. But Coriander sounds much nicer especially when talking about sugared blossoms.

The dimensions of this dish were so well planned. The sensuality of this sweet was visceral and so demanding that you could (if you could keep it cold enough) spend an afternoon eating it. It is Trastevere in the Spring, a piano bar with a lover, summertime on a catamaran (insert imagery here).

The textures were braided galaxies.  The tapioca coulis was sweet but not overwhelming to the creaminess of the Panna Cotta which had the tiny snap of the vanilla beans. And the Coriander  Blossoms were surprising but by no means intrusive. Quite the opposite in fact they only served to draw the flavors more closely together. The supremes added color and some tartness. This was such a well rounded dish that I was so glad I did not pass up dessert.

Ella will be your newest friend if you take the time to discover her.

Drive

I saw a ridiculously awesome film last night that I gotta talk about. It's called "Drive" and stars Ryan Gosling as the driver.

"Drive" is a  2011 film adaptation after a novel of the same title by James Sallis. It has been sometime that a film has touched me in such a way and for so many reasons. For instance, the cast is impeccable. Carey mulligan plays the love interest of the driver. She was ideal for the role for her natural sweetness alone in addition to her well done American accent and being able to make a secondary character shine even without overdone dialogue. She keeps her sweetness even with the backdrop of a gritty, dark LA as the set.

Albert Brooks as Bernie Rose is a villainous but likable character. He is the sort of character you know has done sordid things but you desperately want to be a good guy. He isn't though.

And, Ron Perlman as Nino, a scum bag to beat all of them, is as always a joy to see in this film for the sheer hatred of his character alone.

And of course, Ryan Gosling. He ties the film together - the glue - if you will. I have never been one of these ladies that gushes over Hollywood men. Certainly, I have my favorites but never have I checked fan sites or spoken incessantly about actors. I simply don't care. It isn't that I haven't been impressed in the past either. I just like to keep a bit of decorum about the whole Hollywood leading man thing. But Gosling, in this film, is quietly magnanimous. His natural strength and lack of arrogance amongst his pretending made me realize what the hullaballoo is all about. Sure he's attractive, but to look at him he is no more attractive than my own husband. But this is not about attractiveness, his appeal is that which separates an actor from an artist. He has the quintessential je ne sais quoi that has had my mind reeling about this film. I hate saying that because again, I'd like to maintain some dignity. His performance was just amazing. Before the film, I thought he was ok. After the film I think he is a truly sumptuous performer. He plays that hero that I looked up to as a child. I found myself wanting to be him and be with him all at once. Remarkable does not describe his performance well enough.

Drive is "Pretty in Pink" meets "True Romance" and that is all the appeal it needs for me. But as icing completes the cake the sound track threads the thing together. I just really can't say enough about this extraordinary film. Kudo's to Nicolas Winding Refn for such excellent direction.

See this film but be warned there is violence. It is, after all a crime film...

Vimeo Film Awards

Do you guys visit Vimeo? I, myself am a member. Infact I'm not sure I could live without it! I have featured several Vimeo movies from various film makers here and one on La Bottine too. It's voting week for the Vimeo Festival and Awards. Please be sure to go over there and check the films out if not just to support these independent and talented filmmakers but also to choose your fave!

Here is an example of what you'll find...





This film is by Everynone and you can see more of their films here!

Source

Poor Henri!

Im not in the mood to write something today. Lame, I know. But it just goes like that sometimes. It's not even that I'm lazy, it's that I busy with other junk.

Salvador Dali and friend.

So...I love this kitty. He's so sad. He simply can't stand this hot weather... And he makes me giggle...May I introduce, Henri: Paw de Deux!

Beet Cake - Not Just a Pretty Treat

The soft breeze of Spring. A sweater but only in the evening. No bad bugs - yet. The sweet smells of citrus blossom and Lilac. The first al fresco dining. A cup of tea and a good friend in the kitchen. And fresh new beets...

Source

The song on this video by Tiger in a Jar is an ethereal tune called "Babe" by Evenings from the album North Dorm EP an Extended Play that leaves you wanting more. Just like this little video. It really touches on the sensuality of cooking...the feel of flour in your hands, the sound of eggs cracking on the bowl. No wonder I love cooking...it's more than the mere taste of the art!

Bikram/Hot Yoga

Source

When I was 9 years old, I went to Los Angeles with my sister to visit my grandparents. That would have made my sister 4. My Nana was (and still is) a fashion forward, free thinking, cultivator who tried unique things and hobnobbed with fantastic people. She had lipstick made in exactly "her" shade and kept care of her body in extraordinary ways.

Her most potent fitness regime was with Bikram Choudhry the Yogi of the century! My sister and I would often accompany her to Bikram's studio. In those days there were no mats and towels as are used today. There was a floor and your body and that's it!

We loved this class. I recall asking Nana, "Will we go to see Bikram today?" Bikram once sat on my back during the half tortoise pose, I must've been 11. In attendance, we'd often see Martin Sheen and Raquel Welch. Looking back now that seems pretty weird.

Bikram moves you through 26 yoga poses that each have a specific link to a biological function. And after each class you feel strengthened, accomplished and relieved.

I've never in all these years completely given up my Bikram practice. And yesterday I committed to a 40 class package. I'm looking forward to all the changes that my body will endure in the following several months.

I highly recommend reading up on Bikram his story is amazing. Bikram Yogi Raj went to Japan and that is where he discovered the heated room.

You really should try this amazing practice. It will change your life.

Bubbles - Waiting for Spring

In an effort to patiently wait for Spring, I watched a Doris Day movie last night and began to think of this post. I promised Kelly from Little Paper Planes that I would post a song for her. I got the inspiration from a tweet of hers where she said, "Where is my head?" It spurred a knowing smirk from me and comfort in knowing I'm not the only one.

As I lay on the couch with my feet freezing despite the fact that it is, ahem, Spring, I scurried to the kitchen to make some bubbles. Hoping to warm my feet, solidify this post in my mind and create some fun all at once!

Here is the recipe:
1 Tablespoon dish liquid
6 Tablespoons water
Mix well and dip fork into mixture (or pipe cleaner or wire hanger or beading wire)
Blow...It's sort of magical!

Spring, Spring, Spring...get on it already mother nature!

Charles Edward Wilson
"Blowing Bubbles"

Thomas Couture
"Bubbles"

Ch. Chaplin
"Blowing Bubbles"

Bubbles - A Track List
1. Where is My Mind - Pixies
2. Heaven or Las Vegas - Cocteau Twins
3. Paris Collides - RUFUS
4. Rumour Has It - ADELE
5. Daniel (Death Metal Disco Scene Remix) - Bat for Lashes
6. Animal - Miike Snow
7. Breaking It Up - Lykke Li
8. Stand and Deliver - Adam Ant
9. White Rabbit - Jefferson Airplane
10. Sugarbush - Doris Day and Frankie Laine

Bubbles from poppiesandpaperbacks on 8tracks. Painting Jean Baptiste Simeon Chardin "Soap Bubbles" 1733