Atlanta Home Design Blog

Yummy Eggplant Fries

Jenny Levison — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 16:00:19 +0000

Today’s challenge is convincing my 5-year-old, Jonah, to try eggplant. He has been keeping careful watch on the purple jewel growing in our front yard all week, and today, he proudly proclaimed it was time to pick it. But harvesting and eating are two different things, and for Jonah—who truly believes that a red gummy bear has tomato in it—this will be a toughie!   

Eggplant is one of my favorite vegetables, but it’s true that it’s a veggie that must be prepared thoughtfully. I love a summer ratatouille with eggplant, squash and zucchini, all of which can be grown in your back yard; but making the veggie kid-friendly takes some serious experimentation and exercises in child psychology! 

I went with a French fry theme—knowing that Jonah thinks I consider French fries junk food—and it worked like a charm! He took the bait and was willing to try French-fried anything!

Yes, this particular recipe calls for canola oil, but remember you aren’t eating a big bag of them. I find that they make a perfect side dish to a simple filet of grilled fish or chicken, and I plan to try them out as an appetizer at my next get-together.

Enjoy! 

Eggplant fries with Garlic Aioli

1 large eggplant, peeled and cut lengthwise into long slices

2 eggs 

½ cup milk 

1 cup flour 

2 tablespoons Italian or Creole seasoning

6 cups canola oil 

1 cup low-fat mayonnaise 

2 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped 

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

Beat eggs and milk together in one bowl. Mix flour and seasoning in another bowl. Heat the oil in a heavy-duty, tall pot for about 5 minutes. Dip eggplant slices in flour, shake off excess, and dip in egg mixture. Dip once more in flour and fry until golden brown on all sides. Drain on paper towels. Salt and pepper to taste. Keep fries warm in a 250-degree oven until you’re ready to serve.

To make the garlic aioli, blend mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice and salt and pepper in a food processor. Serve with eggplant fries to dip.

Fruit at Last!

Jenny Levison — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 16:02:51 +0000

Holy Guacamole! Is that an actual eggplant growing in my front yard?

I woke up today and went for my regular walk through “the farm,” as I affectionately call my four raised boxes, and it was like everything changed overnight!

The beautiful purple flower I admired a couple days prior has turned into a baby eggplant, the squash plant has produced gorgeous yellow blossoms, the eight tomato plants are going nuts, the watermelon vines are practically snaking into the street, and there are enough herbs to supply my restaurant salad dressings for weeks.

But the best part of all is watching my neighbors’ smiling responses as they walk their dogs in the evening. People are so happy as they pass by, and as soon as things ripen, I plan to leave a little table with a basket for neighbors to help themselves to what I have left for them! I can’t wait!

An Artful New Venture

Kate — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 15:11:32 +0000

I stopped by Anne Irwin Fine Art last night for a fabulous martini party and book signing of gallery owner Anne Irwin’s latest art book, the self-titled Anne Irwin Fine Art ($34.95 hardcover). The book, which is published via an online publisher so that Irwin can update it appropriately each time a work within its pages is sold, offers Irwin’s personal account of her discovery of, and relationships with, each of the artists featured. The result is a glowing, descriptive look at a beautiful collection of works by such artists as David Arms, CW Mundy, Danny McCaw and many more, as well as the unique vision of this passionate art collector. I have a copy of my own and am delighted that I’m already starting to get to know some of the artists better. Here’s to Anne’s great taste and an enterprising new venture!

If you’d like to learn more about Anne Irwin’s artists, her new book, or purchase a copy of your own, contact the gallery at (404) 352-1855 or anneirwinfineart.com

Garden Extraordinaire

Jenny Levison — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 13:31:39 +0000

Holy Cannoli, it’s a radish! That’s right, the girl with the black thumb and absolutely no luck with gardening skills of any kind has picked her first handful of radishes!

Jenny Levison proudly displays her first harvest (radishes!) from her organic garden.

I am so impressed with myself that I can’t stand it! It has been one month since we planted Farmer D’s garden extraordinaire, and all that is happening is far-out fantastic.

Less than a month ago, this garden space included only seeds and tiny plants.

I have eight—count ‘em eight—varieties of tomatoes growing at a super speed, incredible beans, eggplant, Sunflowers, squash, zucchini and a slew of peppers from poblano to jalapeno. The herb garden is abundant enough to start an herbal tea store.

I am simply beside myself at the growth, and I have done nothing but water! Sounds ridiculous doesn’t it, but I could be the poster child for gardening for dummies!

Jenny shows us around her garden, where watermelon vines (planted from seed) have grown so prolifically they’re in the yard! In the background, tomato plants have grown to a height of four feet—they were only about six inches when planted in mid-May!

Garden update video Jenny Levison’s organic garden

Local Legends Farmer D and Souper Jenny’s Jenny Levison Grow an Organic Garden

Jenny Levison — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 19:40:38 +0000

Editor’s note: There’s an increasing awareness of the power of locally-grown foods—even the White House has launched its own organic garden. In turn, the slow food and the farm-to-table movements have gained momentum in recent years. As a result, we’ve asked Jenny Levison, a star on the local culinary scene with her restaurant, Souper Jenny, to keep a journal of her seasonal garden. Throughout the summer, she’ll be sharing her triumphs and tribulations of home gardening. We hope it inspires you to partake of summer’s organic bounty…or try your hand at growing your own

Oy, I am three weeks into my new 100 percent organic vegetable garden and my five-year-old and I are on the same page. What are we doing?! I am a first-time, novice gardener and laugh every day when I walk around my newly raised beds, wondering if I have killed anything yet! Lo and behold, Farmer D, the local organic farming expert who stopped by to help me on my quest, was right! All it takes is water and a snip here and there and these things actually grow!

Farmer D gives me the rundown on what it takes to grow a successful organic garden.

I allowed Farmer D to choose what would grow best so we have three plots full of all different kinds of tomatoes, zucchini, squash, eggplant, beans, watermelon, peppers from poblano to Jalapeno, radishes, beets and a huge variety of herbs. After three weeks and all this rain it’s been a snap!

The two of us get to work, surrounding each small planting with soft earth.

Me getting the hang of it. It's easy!

The crops from seeds are sprouting and starting to look like something and the tomato plants are growing on their trellis. I do confess that I have called Farmer D and bribed him with dinner if he will come by and make sure everything looks OK and give us a little gardening 101. I think he is wondering why I don’t know anything about this, but then again, can he make My Dad’s Turkey Chili?

Roche-Bobois Leather Days Sale – Only Five Days Left!

Kate — Wed, 20 May 2009 18:24:16 +0000

Roche-Bobois’ new "Croisette" sofa, part of the Les Contemporains collection, by designer Philippe Bouix

This weekend, while we’re all celebrating à la Americana, one top local showroom is holding a fête that comes close to upstaging our own. Roche-Bobois, a leading purveyor of French contemporary fine furnishings and accessories in Atlanta, modestly tucked away at Around Lenox Road, has an amazing selection in store—and just as amazing a promotion going on at the moment. Through Sunday, May 24, find the iconic pieces Roche-Bobois is known for, as well as new ones, like the contemporary Croisette leather sofa by designer Philippe Bouix, at incredible discounts. This once-annual event is one not-to-miss if you love sleek, classic, and most importantly—chic—modern style.

Roche-Bobois, 3400 Around Lenox Rd., Suites 204-205, Atlanta 30326. (404) 467-1900; rochebobois.com

Week 8 of a Contemporary Kitchen Design: A Phenomenal Reveal

Matthew Quinn — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 13:35:18 +0000

Editor’s note: The 2009 Atlanta Symphony Associates Decorators’ Show House & Gardens opens April 18 at the St. Regis Atlanta Hotel & Residences. It’s hard to believe the opening date is already upon us. For eight weeks prior to the show house reveal, we called on kitchen design extraordinaire and Design Galleria principal Matthew Quinn to chronicle the design process of his team as they created a contemporary kitchen from a completely blank canvas – an unfinished space in the new St. Regis Residences. The results are remarkable. Today, in his eighth and final installment, Quinn showcases a few snapshots of the finished kitchen; but, we assure you—the real thing is even more marvelous. Visit the show house through May 10 to see the brilliant, modern space for yourself. We’ll look forward to seeing you there!

The day has finally come for the “big reveal” of our contemporary show house kitchen.

It took four months of hard work to build this space from a shell and we feel like we achieved not only something unique, but something uniquely St. Regis. We are also very excited to show you the traditional and transitional kitchen and bathrooms we put our hearts and minds into creating. Whether your design perspective comes more from a chintz or stainless steel perspective, there is a room in these three residences that you will love. Come with an open mind and a keen eye to explore each and every detail of these residences and this stunning hotel.

Mary Kathryn, Laurie, Patti, Robin, myself and our team look forward to meeting you and giving you the nickel tour or quarter tour, whichever you choose.

For more information on the show house, visit decoratorsshowhouse.org or pick up the May issue of Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles.

Week 7 of a Contemporary Show House Kitchen Design: All in the Details

Matthew Quinn — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 14:56:29 +0000

Editor’s note: It’s hard to believe that the Decorators’ Show House & Gardens opens in little more than a week. In the weeks leading up to the opening, we asked one of the participating designers, Matthew Quinn, to keep a journal of the process, every step of the way. Today is his seventh installment about how one of his spaces is taking shape. Look for his final installment next week as we anticipate the grand Show House opening on April 17.

I love jigsaw puzzles. This past week’s show house schedule was probably the most elaborate and complicated puzzle I have ever tackled. Designers are moving in incredible rooms of art and antiques amongst a sea of painters, tile installers, electricians and plumbers working on last minute details. Patience, deep breaths and the amazing organizational skills of our Director of Business Development, Dusty Miller, has kept me out of the emergency room this week. Our work is down to perfecting the tiniest of details, which sometimes takes longer than the entire rest of the process. I thought I would share a puzzle with you. Below are several small detail shots in the modern show house kitchen. See if you can assemble these to visualize the entire space, and if not, I will solve it for you next week.

The stainless steel-framed bronze glass hood and framed Gnosis mosaic backsplash

The paneled walls resembling the terrace French doors

Two side-by-side Wolf ovens

The honed granite Walker Zanger countertop

The Matthew Quinn Collection hardware on the Downsview cabinets

The stainless steel countertop and custom granite sink with Kohler Karbon faucet

Check back next week for our final blog in this series, when we unveil the finished kitchen. We’re excited for the grand opening! Purchase tickets to see the Show House in person at decoratorsshowhouse.com.

What People are Already Saying about Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles’ April Issue—on Newsstands Now!

Kate — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 14:56:14 +0000

"…Even if you don’t live in Atlanta, I highly recommend subscribing to this magazine. AH&L always provides stories and coverage that are equal to, if not better than, the national magazines. We are so fortunate to live in a city that has such beautiful homes and world-class designers, as well as residents who value and appreciate the importance of a beautiful home." —Things That Inspire

"This month’s mag is awesome! Congrats! I loved it and took it to work to show off!" —KD, Atlanta

"I typically wait to read until the end of the day…but that cover was too entrancing. I had to take a long sneak peak at the newest issue just to carry me until 6:30. Having given up alcohol and desserts for Lent, I am hankering for special treats after work, and now I have one. I am so looking forward to a good read tonight. Mimi Williams did a bang up job…I am swooning over the copper pendants hung by the rope and the way she balanced that look with the softness of the linen skirts on the barstools." —MW, Atlanta

"Great work!!!!! Loved the new issue…soooo fab! Seriously, AH&L is the best shelter mag in the country right now." —BW, Atlanta

"Wow! I just read the April issue, cover to cover, every word, in one sitting, without having even opened it before I started this session. That is not how I normally read a magazine. Actually, I’ve never read a magazine this way. First it’s a overview to get a sense of what’s in store for me, and then I set it aside until a time when I can go into it further. Somehow, I just couldn’t NOT read the whole thing through. I love the look, the calligraphy in Style (news), the italics, the vertical headings… the personal notes from you and the others. Really, the whole thing is fabulous. I loved the story on Plaza Towers (actually, I folded it over for "future thinking." ) The story on Mimi Williams’ place is so beautiful and with so much integrity, I felt as if I were totally enveloped in the world she created. So, you gave me a wonderful conclusion to my weekend, after a crazy, crazy week. Now I am calm and re-balanced for the week ahead. What a great job!" —CE, Atlanta

"The magazine looks absolutely amazing. I don’t know of another local publication in the country that looks so slick and stylish!" —JB, Atlanta

"…Your April cover is stunning." —MBA, Kansas City

"A coworker just brought a couple of Atlanta-based magazines in [to the office]. Another coworker (who writes all of our home design stories) piped up and said, "You know what I really like? Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles." She thinks y’all have a beautiful publication. Just thought I’d pass along the compliment!" —CW, Birmingham

"I just saw the April issue…it knocked me out by how glorious it looks!" —MW, Atlanta

"I love the new issue. Super nice cover. Love the ombre logo." —MA, Atlanta

"I just wanted to let you know that I just got our new issue and I love it! Everything is so pretty, sophisticated and very relaxing—perfect for Spring." —CT, Atlanta

"I just saw the April issue. It is stunning, one of the prettiest covers I have ever seen." —RB, Atlanta

Contemporary Kitchen Design Week 6: The Amazing Race

Matthew Quinn — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 14:12:20 +0000

Editor’s note: It’s hard to believe that the Decorators’ Show House & Gardens opens in just over two weeks. In the weeks leading up to the opening, we asked one of the participating designers, Matthew Quinn, to keep a journal of the process, every step of the way. Today is his sixth installment about how one of his spaces is taking shape. Look for a new installment every week until April 17 when the Show House opens.

I think I figured out why Design Galleria loves to partake in show houses; we are addicted to the challenge. It is our own “Amazing Race” reality show! Although we have participated in more show houses than any other kitchen and bath design studio in the entire Southeast, this was the ultimate test. Not only did we take on a show house in a high rise while it was under construction—which was a feat in itself—but we also committed to creating 3 kitchens, 3 bars and 7 bathrooms!

If we did not already have 15 Atlanta Symphony Associates Show Houses under our belts, the pictures below would be quite scary. These pictures show the current status of the modern unit kitchen in all of its glory. It is hard to believe that interior designers start moving in their furniture, drapery and art this weekend. With the right combination of hard work, long hours and a little bit of magic, it continuously amazes me how it ALWAYS gets done.

I will let you know next week if I was able to sleep at all this week.

The metal surround of the custom hood could not be templated until the sloped ceiling was finished. The bronze glass hood inserts could not be templated until the metal surround was made. The lights and fan in the hood can’t be installed until the glass inserts are installed.

Since the peninsula has a granite countertop and a stainless steel countertop butting into each other, the granite had to be templated and installed before the stainless could be templated and installed. The appliances are always one of the last items to be installed in a kitchen and require the decorative hardware so the integrated panels can be drilled for them.