June 21, 2010

Healthy Organic Gourmet Food

Epicure

I’ve never met an Indian who doesn’t like Indian food, but I’ve met quite a few who are very particular about how it’s prepared. Among the fussy ones is my husband, Anil, who will only eat Indian dishes prepared with the freshest ingredients, just the right amount of spices (never too much) and minimal oil. A couple of years ago, we had the good fortune of visiting a wonderful boutique hotel/yoga retreat/spa called Ananda in Rishikesh, India, near the foothills of the Himalayas. The yoga classes were terrific, and the organic food was exceptional—so exceptional, in fact, that my husband … Read Post

June 11, 2010

Artful Floral Arrangements

Epicure

A couple of weeks ago, I attended a party showcasing a new green boutique apartment building at 180 East 932d Street in New York, where I met the talented floral designer Mark Rose. Mark created the floral arrangements for the model apartment in which the party was held, and I was impressed with how beautifully they complemented the room’s subtle, sophisticated décor, which was done by interior designer Richard Mishaan. Since I plan to host a mid-summer dinner party next month, I asked Mark about his approach to doing flowers, hoping for ideas for a casual yet inspired centerpiece for … Read Post

May 16, 2010

Unique Centerpieces

Epicure

Last month my friend the talented designer and stylist Ingrid Leess invited me to join her and several other friends for a memorable Easter dinner at her home in New Canaan, Connecticut. She prepared a scrumptious feast with her daughter Kiira (you can get the full details on the menu—which included garlic-and-rosemary-rubbed leg of lamb, a potato-fennel gratin and grilled asparagus finished with a drizzle of black truffle oil—by visiting Kiira’s blog, eatandgreet.blogspot.com). The food was totally delicious and I’ve promised myself to ask Ingrid for the recipe for the exceptionally yummy Russian cream she served for dessert, but it … Read Post