Lunch in St. Francis' town, Italy

We arrived in Assisi at lunch time, and headed straight to Ristorante San Francesco right in front of the church. With its fabulous location, it's probably a very touristy restaurant.

Theodore Hotel, Tagaytay

The Theodore hotel is a 6-room inn that's relatively new. As of now, it's only open on weekends. They wouldn't allow me to take pictures of the other bedrooms--only of the bedroom that's featured on their brochure and website. 

Pamana Restaurant, Tagaytay

In the past few years, a number of new establishments have sprouted up in Tagaytay again. Pamana is a fairly new restaurant on the ridge owned by a lady named Happy Ongpauco, who belongs to the family that owns Barrio Fiesta, the Singing Cooks and Waiters Restaurant and a few more others (really good Filipino food). Here on the ridge. they have Pamana and Hawaiian BBQ, and also a 7-bedroom inn called The Boutique.

Toscana Farms, Silang

On the way to Nasugbu this week, I was finally able to stop by the Toscana Farms kiosk in Silang. I never stopped by before because aside from it being on the 'going home' part of the road,  we would zoom  by it before I'd have a chance to say "hey, let's stop there..."

A Ladies' Lunch

Pumpkin Bisque with hint of Curry 

This beautifully catered lunch took place a few months back in the home of a good friend. I happened to have my camera with me and decided to document each course as it was served (except for the appetizers which were gone by the time I remembered I had my camera). Our host,  Crickette, is the epitome of style. She is always impeccably and stylishly dressed, and she entertains with effortless elegance.  Take a look at this wonderful lunch she had prepared for us in her home.

Kings Camp, Timbavati Game Reserve

I still get occasional emails from Kings Camp, keeping me up to date on what's happening in that part of the world. The emailed newsletter comes every few months--just enough to make me recall fond memories of the trip and look back at the pictures in my iPhoto library every now and then. The safari was a detour on the way home from Cape Town, in South Africa, where we attended a conference.

Of Crabs and Cookbooks

The other day my neighbor texted me to ask me if I wanted to buy fresh live crab. Her regular crab vendor (yes, she has one!) was there and still had a few crabs left. Now, even if the kids and I love crab, I never cook it at home. My mother-in-law makes the best crab for Sunday lunches, and my own mom will occasionally have Thanh Long style crab at Sunday dinners. Between the two moms, my kids are I are crab-spoiled.

Chandelier or Lustre?

I've always loved chandeliers. If I could, I would have one in every room in the house. Right now I only have one in my dining room. After moving some furniture around yesterday, I realized I could hang small one in the den and maybe in the foyer too! This one above is from the Vernaison market in Saint Ouen flea market in Paris. I'm so excited!  The hunt begins.