by Chrysa SmithEarlier this year, Mark and I took a long weekend in Annapolis, Maryland. What a great little getaway--with all of the markings of a renewal of soul. A little sightseeing. A little time together. A little discovery. A little afternoon wine.So while wandering down the block to our hotel, we stumbled upon the Red Red Wine Bar. It was perfect. We didn't need to order a meal or enter a big [...]
by Chrysa SmithWalk into a restaurant and see the linen tablecloths. Sense the soft lighting. Warm up near a central stone fireplace. And listen to the tinkling of classic tunes on the piano. Are you in NYC? Philly? Boston? Actually, it's Buckingham, PA---right outside of Doylestown.It all began when we were looking for something soothing, good, continental and not too far from home. I ran through my mental list of eateries in the [...]
by Chrysa SmithAh! I love the crisp cool air that floats through the screen windows; especially in the kitchen. It just makes you want to pull out the baking pans and get going. So I have!First on the list is apples. And I like them three ways. The first is in a baked apple that I serve alongside pork or chicken dishes. What I recently learned however, is to first peel them before [...]
by Chrysa SmithYou know I grew up in NYC---Queens, NY to be exact. That's the land of Jerry Seinfeld, Fran Dresher and other rich and famous who I know right well, have had their fair share of kosher dills over the years. It's only natural as a deli-goer in the Big Apple.I share that part of their histories. As a kid, I would love going to the deli counter. I'd get the job [...]
by Chrysa SmithI don't know about your neighborhood, but here in the Philly burbs, there is a reborn phenomenon.It's frozen yogurt.Nothing new you say? Well, it's been popular since perhaps the 70's or 80's. I can remember when soft serve machines could now give you something that seemed healthier than ice cream---at least the name--mainly in two flavors: vanilla and chocolate. And of course, a greater variety has been available in grocery store [...]
by Chrysa SmithWhoa! I know it's high in cholesterol, maybe loaded with some sort of cow hormones and maybe fat, but sometimes, you just need a good steak.Over the years, my favorite cuts have been Eye Round for a roast and Top Round for a London Broil. Of course, for just a slab of beef, I like my Filet and then, Ribeye is pretty tasty too. But except for my recent restaurant experiences, [...]
by Chrysa SmithI'm always amused by restaurants with a view.Having something to look at besides your dining companion gives you that little extra sense of special-like you're on vacation; only you get to go home and sleep in your own wonderful, comfy bed with clean sheets.On 14th and Arch Street in Philadelphia is LeMeridien Hotel. And I'm sure they have clean sheets. But it was just a short ride from home to try [...]
