Homegrown

The Hamptons & Long Island Homegrown Cookbook Stars on Princeton TV

noreply@blogger.com (Garden Glamour) — Fri, 14 Mar 2014 12:38:00 -0400

Princeton TV “Managing Your Wealth” interview featuring me, author of

The Hamptons & Long Island Homegrown Cookbook -- and Bill:

Gardens & Food are True Luxuries

The ivy-covered walls of nearby Princeton University may have lent an element of gravitas to the television interview I did for The Hamptons & Long Island Homegrown Cookbook with Princeton TV and their Management Your Wealth host, Deborah Frazier.

The day was more than just the interview.

It was a love-filled bouquet, especially because my most favorite people accompanied me: my mother, Virginia, and a beloved garden design client, dear friend and muse, Maria.

And my number one fan and supporter, my husband Bill.

So despite the Polar Vortex, me and my Homegrown entourage drove “over the river and through the woods” -- to Princeton.

I’d met Deborah previously at a book talk and book signing I did at Judy McClellan’s invitation for her Mercer County United Way group. That was a swanky, teatime event at the Nassau Inn.

Deborah bought a book at that time and has since made my homegrown heart flutter when she tells me that she keeps The Hamptons & Long Island Homegrown Cookbook on the coffee table in her offices at RBS as a conversation starter with her financial services clients.

Deborah is one smart cookie.

And to that point I continue to be gob smacked by her definition of wealth.

According to Deborah, “Wealth is an abundance of valuable resources.”

So you see, it’s not just those greenbacks as money-in-the-bank that is considered wealth. Rather our health and well-being and sustainable lifestyle comprise what is the true measure of wealth.

Amen.

Deborah explores these topics and this pursuit of true wealth on her Princeton TV show, Managing Your Wealth.

Digging In

Deborah called me in late December to explore the interview opportunity.

Here, she explained about her show’s format and how the content is both informative and entertaining for her audience who are most interested in managing their money and wealth.

Later she said she was struggling a bit to fit in the homegrown food and garden topics into the show’s format and focus.

She asked me how I might go about it and just like that, I was going on about how gardens have always been about “conspicuous consumption” and showing off wealth – from the Persians to Rockefellers to today’s hedge fund totems. Especially since the Victorian times when exotic and rare plants were brought back to the West, plants and gardens came to represent great wealth and achievement.

Further, I prattled on, good landscape design today increases the value of one’s home by 15-25% or more.

And not breaking stride, I articulated how taste is today’s True Luxury.

I shared one of my often-repeated quote, “That food created for taste and not transport” can be considered a sign of wealth, given the nod to valuable resources under Deborah’s rubric.

Then there was silence.

“Uh-oh,” read the bubble in head.

I feared I lost her.

“Are you there?” I asked timidly.

“Oh, yes,” I’m taking notes on all this – it’s terrific!” exclaimed Deborah.

Whew!

So it was settled.

Yes, I can do the interview on her show.

As we proceeded to chat about some other topic details, I could just make out that Bill was telling me something to share with Deborah.

“Can you hold on a minute?” I ask. “My husband is trying to tell me something.”

It was the Christmas holidays so he home from work.

“Tell her about growing our asparagus and garlic and …”

As I note in my Homegrown book’s Acknowledgements, Bill surely became a master gardener and chef during the time it took to produce the book.

He starts our seeds indoors under the lights in the spring, we compost, and our Garden State farm-ette produces abundant, homegrown food that enriches our menus and our friends and family’s with the best garlic, asparagus, tomatoes, potatoes, eggplants, shallots, onions, lettuce, and…

As I dutifully relayed Bill’s brilliant suggestion, Deborah said, “That’s great background.”

And further, “Bill should join us for the TV interview.”

I smile as I say more loudly so he can hear across the room, “What’s that you say? Have Bill join me for the interview about gardens and edible homegrown food?”

As Bill is mouthing “NO WAY!” and gesturing with his hands like a football ref just to make sure I got the No message, I say to Deborah,

“Why that’s a brilliant suggestion and invitation. Bill says he’d love to!”

And so it was.

From then until the actual interview session, I researched the background data points for the gardens as wealth and the importance of eating sustainable, local, food and its importance to creating true food networks, jobs and a community lifestyle.

(If any of you are interested in those data points, let me know and I can share with you.)

Otherwise, many of them are included as part of the TV interview.

Then, in another sign of good karma, Pantone announced the 2014 Color of the Year.

What does this have to do with gardens or the TV interview, you may be wondering.

See, Deborah’s TV set always features the color purple – as does Deborah – as she cites purple as a sign of wealth.

Kismet!

And the Radiant Orchid color is inspired by what else, nature and flowers. http://gardenglamour-duchessdesigns.blogspot.com/2014/01/plant-world-inspiration-radiant-orchid.html

When I shared this color news with Deborah, she thoughtfully asked, “Why don’t we feature the radiant orchids on our TV set with you?”

I couldn’t think of a single reason why not!

In her pursuit of true wealth and happiness, even on her TV stage set, Deborah features a floral design arranged by a local artist:

So it all came together. I even wore a purple blouse and tanzanite jewelry.

But the real star of the show?

Bill.

When Deborah asked him during the interview what he most liked about gardening, he deliberately and thoughtfully replied, “I never feel closer to God than when I’m in the garden.”

It was a jaw dropping, tearful moment of bliss and pride.

Maria and Mother were in the green room and later with the technicians watching and listening and taking pictures – seen here.

Afterwards, we all retreated to -- where else?

A local, Princeton restaurant that serves local, homegrown ingredients on their menu.

We celebrated in homegrown style.

Thank you, Deborah, Maria, Mother, and Bill.

Enjoy the interview.

Let me know what you think.

Cheers.

And Deborah can be reached at:

Deborah J. Frazier
Financial Advisor
RBC Wealth Management
192 Nassau Street
Princeton, NJ 08542
Phone: 609-688-2341
Fax: 609-683-5088
deborah.frazier@rbc.com

Visit My Website:

http://www.deborahfrazier.com

First-ever Slow Food East End Carlo Petrini Award to North Fork Table & Inn; Plus Fundraising Event for Chef Gerry Hayden

noreply@blogger.com (Garden Glamour) — Thu, 27 Feb 2014 15:13:00 -0500

North Fork Table & Inn partners accept Slow Food East End Carlo Petrini Award, L-R: Chef Claudia Fleming, Mary Mraz, Mike Mraz, Chef Gerry Hayden

No need to wait or hold out for the Academy Awards and Oscar®

The votes are in.

And the winner is the acclaimed East End restaurant, The North Fork Table & Inn and its James Beard award-winning chefs and co-owners, husband and wife culinary team: Gerry Hayden and Claudia Fleming, along with their managing partners, Mike Mraz and his wife, Mary.

The Inn was presented with the first-ever Slow Food East End Carlo Petrini Award for its exceptional embodiment of the Slow Food principles of universal access to good, clean and fair food.

At the same time, the sold-out event was a “double feature.”

East End foodies gathered to raise funds to help combat the devastating ALS disease, while saluting and celebrating Chef Gerry Hayden and his fight against ALS.

Chef Gerry is also James Beard nominee this year for Best Chef, Northeast.

All the really big stars -- in the culinary constellation, that is -- were in attendance at Sunday’s very big night at The North Fork Table & Inn.

In fact, there were 50 chefs, staff and volunteers and nearly 20 chefs who participated in the evening’s star-studded night.

The event was a sell-out with more than 220 tickets purchased and even more donations were tallied online, garnering a total of approximately $40,000.

Chef Gerry was diagnosed with ALS in 2011. The money raised helps provide for his quality of care.

Donations can still be made at:http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Your-Invitation-to-a-Special-Event.html?soid=1102409732378&aid=JzL3I54d_bg

The evening’s menu was extraordinary – with local, homegrown ingredients dazzling the Out East plates and palates. (Check out Rosa Ross' Vegetable Rolls!)

The best ingredient of the night? Love.

Hat’s in the air to all the effort and community that helped make the night a success, especially, event planner Maria McBride of Peconic Productions, Kontokosta Winery and Anne Howard, Slow Food East End.

Slow Food East End Membership Chair & event hero, Anne Howard, Center

Chefs Gerry Hayden and Claudia Fleming are featured chefs in this Examiner’s book, The Hamptons & Long Island Homegrown Cookbook, as are many of the chefs who turned out to support the fundraising event.

Of course they did. That’s what Homegrown Chefs do…

Special mention goes to Chef Kevin Penner, Bryan Futerman, Robby Beaver, Frisky Oyster, Rosa Ross, Scrimshaw, Gretchen Menser, Fresno, James Carpenter, Citta Nuova, and Jason Weiner, Almond, NYC/L&W Oyster Co.

Chef Bryan Futerman, Left

Exuberant & beautiful: Chef Claudia

I wrote about Chef Gerry and Claudia’s vision and culinary leadership for the North Fork Table & Inn’s profile in the Homegrown Cookbook,

“The couple is dedicated to fulfilling the North Fork’s potential as a food lover’s paradise. They opened the restaurant here because they believe it offers the best of the culinary world’s future, with the highest-quality ingredients steps away from their door. And because of their philosophy, The North Fork Table & Inn has become a food-lover’s destination.”

And inspiration, it should be added.

Photos Courtesy of Slow Food East End, photographer: Brittany Calderale

Romantic Homegrown Dinner Menu Celebrates Cupid & Love

noreply@blogger.com (Garden Glamour) — Tue, 18 Feb 2014 16:28:00 -0500

Our Homegrown Valentine’s Menu was memorable – from the tasty food to the heart-felt plated presentations.

I want to share our cupid-inspired dishes with you so that can re-create some heart-throbbing food memories of your own using these suggestions.

Better yet, build on these; and let me know what you made for dinner this weekend.

It was a fun-filled double header: Valentine’s Day and President’s Day.

This calendaring set up a whole lot of Martha Stewart-filled chances to theme the tablescapes, floral designs, and menus.

From candy hearts messages to chocolate to cherry pie to…

On Friday the 14^th, I shot my arrow and posted my Valentine’s Day Food & Drink story on Examiner about Kitchensurfing – a service that matches up chefs and people who not only love food but also need a cook.

http://www.examiner.com/review/kitchensurfing-plays-cupid?cid=db_articles

Following that fun foodie story I got down to the business of romance.

We all know the way to our hearts is through our stomach.

I further the delicious detour…

Remember the French adage: “The eyes eat first.”

So the presentation is paramount. And fun to prepare.

Next stop on the food journey to the heart are the taste buds.

This is a long, luxurious stopover…

So after a trip to the markets, it was time to organize the menu and get to the preparation.

Just remember, of all the ingredients, the best one is love…

Have fun, relax and enjoy.

Homegrown Valentine’s Menu

Roederer Champagne – option to add Solerno Sicilian Blood Orange liquor or Lillet with a slice of blood orange. www.roederestate.com and www.solernoliquer.com

Crisp, cold Martini – You must make them with the classic, dry Dolan Blanc Vermouth (made with the same great recipe since 1821) & LiV Vodka – this is Long Island premium potato vodka. With hints of fruit, vanilla and anise.

www.alpenz.com and www.lispirits.com

I’ve written about LiV – they have a fascinating, story – a true American success story. A dedicated, quality, tasty, success story. (They also produce sorbets using local Long Island fruits, and award-winning Pine Barrens whisky – the first made in Long Island - repurposing the used oak barrels or casks from local Out East vineyards.

I’ve also been privileged to have done a Hamptons & Long Island Homegrown Cookbook book signing at their distillery in Baiting Hollow in the heart of wine country – and surrounded by 5,000 acres of potato farms!

Pair the Homegrown Martini with Long Island Blue Point Oysters – with mignonette sauce made from our garden’s shallots and champagne vinegar.

It’s all the romance and beauty of the sea on that gorgeous oyster shell. Slurp with abandon.

The first course was “Heart-Beets.”

Cute, right?

I got the recipe from the Food Loves Writing bog and then adapted it a bit. http://foodloveswriting.com/2014/02/03/heart-beet-patties-with-pecorino-garlic-butter-and-beet-greens-pesto/

I highly recommend this Heart-Beet dish. It’s made with fresh beets, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, topped by its own beet pesto.

What’s not to love?

The beets are shredded and after the flour and cheese – and our Homegrown garden garlic was added, I worked it like bread dough. It looked not unlike chopped meat.

I rolled out half the ball – it was almost like cookie dough.

I then cut out the beet patties.

You can use a cookie cutter. I used heart-shaped ramekin dishes/cups.

We love beet tops -- I usually cook them in olive oil, with garlic and anchovy paste.

I can’t believe it’s the first time we used the beet greens to make pesto. Especially since my husband make THE best basil pesto.

Seriously. And it’s not just my opinion. He could sell it. He has legions of Pesto fans. He used lots of fresh cheese. And walnuts vs. pignoli nuts

The Heart Beets were to be about ¼” or so thick.

They are cooked for about 10 minutes on a parchment-lined cookie sheet.

The cooked beets are matched up again with their green tops – that we made into pesto.

Sweet love reunited.

Sinatra could’ve been crooning, “Love is lovelier, the second time around…”

The Heart-Beets are just so darned adorable!

They are also filling.

The recipe calls for them to be stacked.

And they do look impressive, towering with a Mies van der Rohe nobility.

With the Heart-Beets, we sipped a light, poised French rosė: Chateau d’Eslcans Whispering Angel – often referred to as “The Water of the Hamptons” because it’s enjoyed with abandon and frequency all summer in the Hamptons. Or as long as one can get the rosė.

It is made in limited supply and sells out quickly especially during the summer.

www.esclans.com

Meanwhile, I had made the lemon rice to accompany the Angry Lobster entrée.

Angry Lobster is a fiery, spicy lobster made with red cayenne pepper. Just what one needs to fire up a romantic meal...

I used our homemade chicken stock in the rice for an added heart-warming zing of taste.

With the entrée we enjoyed a Morgan Pinot Noir https://www.morganwinery.com characterized as the “Crown Jewel of the Santa Lucia Highlands. The wine is terrific and went so well with the spicy lobster. It is described as a: beautiful combination of earthy and floral, highlighted by dried herbs and raspberries. Black cherry, sweet oak and spice seamlessly transition from nose to the palate.

With Mother’s homemade bread and the candles and fireplace ablaze, we were all set.

Bill brought a vase filled with white roses and stargazer lilies and orange leaves.

So rich looking against the wood table - and fragrant, too.

We topped it off with our homemade vanilla ice cream for dessert.

Valentine’s Dinner was delicious and pretty.

The next day, I couldn’t wait to use those heart ramekins again. I feel badly I’ve neglected them for so long, only using previously for desserts.

Saturday, we made individual lasagna servings in the heart dishes.

Another triumph – made with homemade mozzarella and ricotta from the local Italian store, along with our garden tomatoes (I had frozen a lot in bags) and our homegrown garlic.

Tear off some of Mother’s Italian bread and wow. Simple and delicious.

President’s Day included what else? Cherry Pie!

Mother makes this favorite of Bill’s on more than one occasion – and I can’t tell a lie - with the homemade ice cream – it was an indulgence that I couldn’t resist.

What did you make this long food-loving weekend?

Cheers.

The Hamptons & Long Island Homegrown Cookbook "Look Book" Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Garden Glamour) — Fri, 14 Feb 2014 00:18:00 -0500

Picking up The Hampton & Long Island Homegrown Cookbook thread from the previous Look Book Part 1 post...

Let’s see – we had just ended a magical, delicious, Homegrown event at the Hayground School for the Great Chefs Dinner.

East Hamptons Authors Night

Next up was the annual East Hampton Authors Night – also a benefit – for the East Hampton Library. The event is the brainchild of actor, thought-leader and philanthropist, Alec Baldwin, and his Founding Co-Chair Barbara Goldsmith.

Authors Night for those of you who haven’t attended, is held under the tent at Gardiner Farm and there are hundreds of famous, illustrious authors, writers, celebrities and literary lions who come out to meet and greet the authors.

It’s an intimate one-one-one affair, and at the same time, can feel a bit like a pep rally before the big game because there is a determined frisson in the air -- with all guests and attendees tucked into a place and fueled with anticipation and one goal:

Buy as many books as you can and get them autographed while posing for photos.

As the evening progresses and the audience size swells and the humidity rises and the refreshments are flowing – there is an undeniable crescendo.

I rather melt at that point but my enthusiasm and joy buoy my diminishing look.

My publisher graciously provides two or three cases of books for the benefit.

We sold out of all the books within the first hour or so.

Sooo thrilling! I am so proud.

Thank you to all the Hamptons & Long Island fans who made this happen for the East Hampton Library.

This gave me the chance to walk around a bit and capture some of the surrounding star power – right next to me that I hadn’t notices because I was working so focused on signing my Homegrown books.

Plus, this year, I had the great honor to host both Toni Sabatino and Chef Bryan Futerman as my plus+ones at the Authors Night – and later for the Hamptons Magazine event – so I had Homegrown support.

My Homegrown blog post from the Authors Night details my astonishment at finding that Gwyneth Paltrow was in my “table tribe.”

I was especially over the moon when I sat down next to her as she was racing and working hard to sign books for all her fans, and as we exchanged greetings, she learned I was the author of The Hamptons & Long Island Homegrown Cookbook to say,

“That’s YOUR book?

I LOVE your book”….

And the Homegrown love went on from there...

Padma Lakshmi was to have been my tablemate at the East Hampton Library benefit but only her books were there – we didn’t get to meet the star of Top Chef till later at the Hamptons Magazine Authors dinner celebration.

Alec Baldwin and his gorgeous wife, Hilaria – who at that moment was über-pregnant and oh-so-adorable - spent time with Gwyneth and her children.

And then Hilaria and I chatted.

FYI, I have been a member and student of Hilaria’s Yoga Vida studio http://yogavida.com around the corner from our apartment before I even knew they were dating…

She’s a doll.

Hilaria Favorited my Twitter post too.

Hamptons Magazine Authors Party

After meeting so many fans, authors and celebs, it was time to head to THE event of the summer and the premiere dinner party in the constellation of author parties that follow the East Hampton Library Authors Night.

Me, Toni Sabatino, and Chef Bryan Futerman -- my Homegrown Plus+One Guests, headed to Michael Braverman’s home: host to the Hamptons Magazine party.

Braverman wrote a feature story in Hamptons Magazine about the featured authors and his party gala and its debut marked the event.

http://hamptons-magazine.com/galleries/hamptons-magazine-celebrates-cover-star-padma-lakshmi-at-east

Braverman’s library-designed home, the gardens and pool; the exquisite cocktail hour around the Slim Aaron’s photoscape of a landscape was pure magic.

Dinner was held under a big tent at the far end of the pool area. The twinkling lights beckoned, there were maybe a dozen tables all accessorized with fresh floral designs.

All evening the “Water of the Hamptons” was poured -- otherwise known as Rosé wines provided by Château D’Esclans. http://esclans.com

Our tablemate was Paul Chevalier, the vineyards’ National Fine Wine Director.

At Paul’s invitation, I have since attended his Wine Seminar: “The Rosé Lifestyle of St. Tropez” at the recent Food & Wine Festival in NYC.

After the catered meal and before a delicious dessert, each of the featured authors were asked to stand as their profile and the thumbnail of their book was read to the guests.

The magnificent Debra Halpert, Publisher, Hamptons Magazine

Debra Halpert, the very elegant, classy, kind, and cosmopolitan Publisher of Hampton’s Magazine read my bio as I stood before the dinner guests.

It was an out of body experience, as you might imagine.

It remains a remarkable honor…

I am eternally grateful for this moment.

Later, the authors were asked to retreat to Michael’s library for photos.

http://hamptons-magazine.com/galleries/hamptons-magazine-celebrates-cover-star-padma-lakshmi-at-east

This was followed by more Hamptons-in-the-summer bonhomie with all the guests eventually joining us before it was time for the glass slipper to come off…

(See detail news of the event here:)

http://hamptons-magazine.com/lifestyle/articles/annual-authors-night-draws-a-list-talent

The Homegrown App

I always knew there’d be a kind of App for the Homegrown Cookbook.

I didn’t know what it would be or how it would work. But I knew.

I was taking video of the chefs and growers during my interviews and the photo shoots in anticipation of the App.

As I wrote in Homegrown “Look Book” Part 1, I was first approached by the App developer at the Cook Book Conference.

We first met in July, at the too precious, Buvette Restaurant in the West Village where you feel like you’ve stepped into a Paris café, complete with garden!

Here we talked about the Homegrown look, the content – to embrace the gardens and the food and recipes; the recipe steps…

It was all so interesting – fascinating, really – and I learned a lot.

It was a fortuitous start.

We touched base again in the fall, after my publisher’s new CEO started the conversation to approval and "Yes."

Rizzoli Bookstore Feature

Thank goodness, Chef Guy Reuge alerted me to a jewel of a Homegrown high point: that Rizzoli Bookstore was featuring the Hamptons & Long Island Homegrown Cookbook as a Rizzoli Recommendation.

This I had to see.

After I dropped off Chef Eric’s Homegrown Cookbook at Le Bernardin, I made my way to 57^th Street to see this overwhelming and humbling turn of events.

It’s hilarious that I was so thrilled to see the Homegrown Cookbook sitting pretty on an end cap bookshelf that I just about missed the main attraction!

But there it was, cozying up to the likes of Bobby Flay and other famous “faces.”

If I wasn’t propped up against the opposite wall’s books, I think I would’ve fainted dead away with joy and pride.

This “Rizzoli Rhapsody” was on top of a book signing I’d done there previously with the help of a featured Homegrown Chef: Joe Isidori. (I’ve just learned that Chef Joe is opening a new restaurant next month in SoHo! I will visit with Chef Joe for coffee next week and report back!)

These Rizzoli moments are even more dramatic given that just last month it was announced that the building where Rizzoli is located might be demolished!!

This is too gruesome to comprehend.

The Paris Review wrote: "It’s the sort of place that inspires breathless exaltation in book lovers, or even merely book likers; if you were to publish a magazine of bookseller porn, Rizzoli would be the centerfold. Put more baldly, it’s magical."

http://www.theparisreview.org/blog/2014/01/23/save-rizzoli/

I couldn’t agree more.

Photo courtesy of Rizzoli, David Hager

On Rizzoli’s Facebook page I wrote:    

    The Hamptons & Long Island Homegrown Cookbook ‪The Hamptons & Long Island Homegrown Cookbook hugs for having featured me and my Cookbook for a ‪Rizzoli Bookstore book signing. Thank you for allowing me & one of the chefs featured in the book, chef Joe Isidori to accompany me. Chef Joe provided the tasty food treats that night. It was an extraordinary honor and a high point in my life - as it is for any author… And thank you for featuring the book this summer as a Rizzoli Recommendation. More Homegrown love… Rizzoli is the epitome of book & literary culture. Rizzoli must endure.

Hamptons & Long Island Homegrown Cookbook poster next to door on left

Please join me and sign the petition to save Rizzoli Bookstore.

Designate the building as Landmark in order to preserve this mecca of all things literary and beautiful:

https://saverizzoli.wordpress.com/petition-to-save-rizzoli/

The Library

On a happier note, it was an impossibly beautiful Indian Summer day in early September for Sachem Library’s first-ever Author Book Fair.

The Sachem Library has a very well designed and tended garden – an idyllic spot to enjoy both garden art and literary art.

It was a smooth as silk day and everyone was in good spirits, happy to be surrounded by so much beauty.

I was positioned at the entrance to the garden and I was so happy to share my Homegrown stories and sign books.

I noted that here, so many teens were edible and homegrown fans!

During this time, I also learned that the Homegrown Cookbook was made available to the library systems that buy it and make it available as an E-Book, in addition to the print copies of the book.

And I also learned that the Homegrown Cookbook was selling as an E-Book on its Nook via Barnes & Noble!

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-hamptons-and-long-island-homegrown-cookbook-leeann-lavin/1110871798?ean=9781610585644

Life's a Beach, Parties, Giveaway Contests, and Holiday Gift Guides and Eating Green

Cruising through Autumn and teeing up for the Homegrown Holidays were lots of articles and newsletters and blogs and then we arranged a Homegrown book giveaway with Long Island’s Macaroni Kid, which was great fun. I loved working with Ellen and was giggly hearing how happy the foodie winner of the Homegrown Cookbook was to receive her signed copy.

It was a high point to attend the launch of Edible Magazine’s newest jewel in their Edible crown: Edible Long Island www.ediblelongisland.com

The launch party was held, accordingly, at Chef Tom Schaudel’s Jewel restaurant (http://www.jewelrestaurantli.com/index.php)

The refrain from “At Last” might’ve been heard lilting through the many tiers of Jewel’s lofty, airy, restaurant spaces.

The time for Edible Long Island had indeed arrived; at long last.

And judging by the huge crowd in attendance, it promised to be a spectacular party, marked by pride of place. Edible put the count at nearly 400.

I got to visit with Long Island Farmer's Market Bernadette Martin and What's Cooking Smithtown, Nancy Vallarella.

I hope it’s obvious that I couldn’t agree more with the celebration of Long Island Food & Drink.

A big Homegrown Thank You to editor Betsy Davidson and her team for allowing me and my Farmigo friends a corner table to share my Homegrown Cookbook stories and food adventures.

All the chefs, growers, fishermen, brewers, and artisanal food makers at the event presented exciting and delicious offerings.

I was so very happy to see our host and featured Homegrown Cookbook chef, Tom Schaudel.

His oysters were scandalously good! I had more than a few…

And of course, Mirabelle’s Chef Guy Reuge, another favorite chef from the Homegrown Cookbook, along with his gorgeous wife, Maria, served up exquisite fare: Long Island Duck confit.

There was also Long Island Spirits – my favorite vodka for my evening martini.

I missed meeting Deb from Sweet’tauk Lemonade (http://www.sweettauk.com)

But shortly thereafter I was introduced by way of my dear, Homegrown foodie friend, Laura Luciano, blogger at OutEastFoodie (www.outeastfoodie.com)

Laura thought the Homegrown Cookbook would be perfect for Sweet’tauk’s Holiday pop up shop and so faster than you can say Homegrown Long Island, we got some books to Deb and were in business.

Homegrown love for sure… Thank you, ladies.

Then, Edible East End Magazine included The Hamptons & Long Island Homegrown Cookbook as part of their Holiday Gift Guide.

The connection here runs deep.

Brian Halweil, Edible’s editor and co-publisher wrote the Foreword for The Hamptons & Long Island Homegrown Cookbook and Lindsay Morris, Edible’s photographer extraordinaire was also a photographer for the Homegrown Cookbook.

Thank you, Brian and Lindsay. Can't say it enough.

And thank you for including The Hamptons & Long Island Homegrown Cookbook in the Edible Holiday Gift Guide

http://www.edibleeastend.com/z/web-extras/gifts-more-giftables-from-edible/

Beach Magazine chose The Hamptons & Long Island Homegrown Cookbook as one of the top cookbooks of 2013.
As an author, there I was, "sandwiched" between Ricky Lauren and Katie Lee - and in the company of Ina Garten…

http://digital.modernluxury.com/publication/?i=169079&p=50

Right after Christmas, I had the opportunity to connect with Bhavani Jaroff, Long Island’s natural foods chef, educator, food activist, and radio host.

This iEatGreen’s initial news about the interview:

http://www.ieatgreen.com/merry-christmas-and-happy-holidays-to-all-of-you/

We talked for I think an hour about Homegrown food and edible gardens and eating local, fresh food.

Here is the link to the interview:

http://www.ieatgreen.com/ieat-green-an-interview-with-leeann-lavin/

Thank you Bhavani. Keep it green…

I had almost forgotten about WellWed Hamptons Magazine… Egads.

And I didn’t even know about the Bridal Booty Homegrown Giveaway until just now while I was looking for the link to the Gift Guide!

This is so cool. The editors of WellWed poised a Hamptons & Long Island Homegrown Cookbook in a picnic basket – don’t you adore picnics? – along with Fare Isle Herb de Provence Finishing Salt

http://www.thehamptonsweddings.com/blog/bridal-booty/bridal-booty-hampton-long-island-homegrown-cookbook-fare-isle-herb-de-provence-fin

See, it turns out it was a contest. In November.

I didn’t know.

I didn’t get to thank the editors, nor to congratulate and sign the winning bride’s Homegrown Cookbook.

I will make amends on this toute-suite.

If you follow the above link, you will see the cute Contest reads:

Happy Wedding Wednesday Brides & Grooms! We're so delighted to be giving away the innovative Hamptons & Long Island Homegrown Cookbook along with fabulous Fare Isle Herb de Provence Finishing Salt!

This special cookbook written by Leeann Lavin is a resource any bride would be lucky to have in her possession. Not only will you find recipes that are to die for, but you will also be enlightened about the local culinary masters who created them, taking all the stress out of figuring out who will cater your very special day. To the chefs in this book, locally sourced is not just a trend but rather a way of life. All recipes are made with the freshest ingredients from local farms and the end result is homegrown, delectable cuisine that also promotes sustainability. To aid you with all the cooking you're going to be inspired to do, we are also giving away Fare Isle's Herb de Provence Finishing Salt. Made from fresh Nantucket grown herbs, this finishing salt will be the perfect seasoning to delight your palate. Given the artful packaging, these little bottles of herbs make for adorable wedding favors that guests will be sure to love!

Don't miss your chance to win this incredible cookbook and finishing salts!

For a chance to win the cookbook & finishing salts "like" this post on WellWed Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/wellwedmagazine?ref=ts) and message us your email address. One lucky winner will be chosen at random and will be notified via email within a week.

http://www.thehamptonsweddings.com

What was enchanting was to receive the beautifully curated and written WellWed Hamptons Magazine. The very professional editorial team sent me a copy with the page marked where the Hamptons & Long Island Homegrown Cookbook is featured as a perfect wedding gift. Sweet…

I love the size of the magazine – it’s more of a square – and one you want to hold and peruse. The photos and layout are gorgeous. Very inspiring. Especially when love is in the air.

Thank you for a year filled with Homegrown Love.

It’s been a thrilling, too-good-to-be true year – thank you for sharing the journey with me. It’s truly an honor to share the stories of the Homegrown chefs and the growers and artisanal food makers who inspire them.

Our reverence for the land and sea that provides us the Homegrown ingredients is boundless.

And that Homegrown should start off 2014 still selling half the volume online as it did at its peak at the time of introduction and that I am ranked a “top” author in the mid five digits - out of more than 8 million is an achievement of which I am most proud. Thank you for your continued interest and support and sharing the good news of Homegrown food and drink.

Cheers.

You can purchase The Hamptons & Long Island Homegrown Cookbook from local, independent bookstores: http://www.indiebound.org/indie-bookstore-finder

Online at Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Hamptons-Long-Island-Homegrown-Cookbook/dp/0760337578

Or Barnes & Noble: http://tiny.cc/pijhbw

Or from me…

The Hamptons & Long Island Homegrown Cookbook – “Look Book” Year in Review, Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (Garden Glamour) — Fri, 7 Feb 2014 16:21:00 -0500

Thirteen proved to be lucky for my book, The Hamptons & Long Island Homegrown Cookbook.

When Superstorm Sandy slammed the door on so many big things in late 2012, it made my cancelled book signing and events rather pale in comparison…

But the New Year, 2013, was a good one for all things Homegrown.

Homegrown Winter:

There was a TV Show that approached me in January. The show was to be about stumping experts in various fields – and I was to be the foodie expert to be stumped.

Why not, I thought.

I did the interviews via Skype – the show was to be produced in Hollywood.

It sounded like a fun adventure – which it was. Then it went dark. They later told me that that is just the way Hollywood is.

Hey, ya gotta' try and it was a fun process and I got to “meet” some terrific people.

As Tony Bennett says, “Life Goes On.”

In February, I was approached at the Roger Smith Cookbook Conference by an impressive, talented App developer.

She and I cultivated the relationship and the business opportunity throughout the year, albeit at a snail’s pace.

While I adore escargot, believe me, it was not my choice to have to inch along to App completion.

However, as we needed my publisher’s approval/go ahead, I was practicing one of my better virtues: patience.

See, the thing was, my publisher was in the process of a securing a new CEO, then once hired and in place by mid-summer, he had to get acclimated, of course.

And I want to always be respectful.

So first overtures were my Homegrown soupçon of courteous, cautious and – heck, honest enthusiasm for the anticipated success of the App.

Finally, patience and respect paid off, and just as the we turned the page to 2014, he agreed to the App project.

More on this later…

In February the Homegrown love-fest was the launch of the first Homegrown Goodreads contest of sorts.

I’m embarrassed to say I hadn’t explored Goodreads prior to this, especially as it is a book club on super vitamins – (or kale as a foodie might say!)

My crackerjack marketing team at Quayside Publishing put together a very effective, turnkey book giveaway that ended on with a kiss -- February 14^th.

Sweet!

Just one shy of 540 people requested the Homegrown Cookbook that first giveaway and that success gave us confidence and led to the second one – with nearly 700 entrants requesting the Homegown Cookbook.

For the second Goodread book giveaway, we teamed up with The North Fork Table & Inn www.nofoti.com to include a restaurant gift certificate.

he North Fork Table & Inn and its very special husband and wife team – Chef Gerry Hayden and Chef Claudia Fleming are featured in the Homegrown Cookbook.

Be sure to sign up for Chef Gerry Hayden’s cooking classes – Gerry teams up with another Homegrown chef, Kevin Penner. http://northforker.com/2013/12/13/cooking-sessions-with-gerry-hayden-and-kevin-penner/

Plus don’t miss the Benefit produced by Slow Food East End to help defray the costs of managing chef Gerry’s ALS: February 23 at the beautifiul waterfront winery: Kontokosta Winery in Greenport

We love chefs Gerry & Claudia - and their love of the Homegrown, sustainable life. Share the love.

http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?ca=7485ba2c-d4d1-4725-81a8-

For the Goodreads Homegrown giveaway, there are so many good comments and reviews.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13148948-the-hamptons-and-long-island-homegrown-cookbook

I really must attend to Goodreads with dedicated frequency…

And maybe I can link this blog to the Goodreads Author blogs…

I don’t yet understand all the metrics but when I go to the Author’s page Goodreads tells me all kinds of good things – guess that’s why they called it Goodreads…

My publisher tells me I need to share and promote the fact that Homegrown has received nearly a perfect 5 rating (4.71)

I have been meaning to do this – perhaps you Homegrown fans can help spread the word, via Goodreads??

All the experts tell me that there is nothing like getting good reviews on Goodreads, Amazon, and B&N. I neglect to ask for reviews.

But I will shamelessly ask here – if you Love the Hamptons & Long Island Homegrown Cookbook – and if you are still reading you do – please take a homegrown second and write a review?

I only have four reviews…

Here is the link for your review-ing ease. And thanks to you Homegrown reviewers there xox http://www.amazon.com/Hamptons-Long-Island-Homegrown-Cookbook/dp/0760337578

It makes a Huge difference… merci.

In February, I was also busy with food and garden lectures and a very special reunion with my friends from school in Switzerland.

March included our annual sojourn to our place in Aruba for some reading and dreaming…

And upon returning home, there was the planting of our peas in our Homegrown farm-ette – perfect timing too – right before St. Patrick’s Day with a snowstorm imminent. What perfect calendaring…

The first of the more formal Homegrown Cookbook events was the Atlantic Highlands Historical Society talk.

My publisher made a number of posters that were positioned around the village (funny to see oneself peering back from the hardware store door or the cash register..) and the Historical Society produced and sent out a press release.

The local media, including the Asbury Park Press and the Two River Times, covered the news of the upcoming event about the Homegrown book -- and by extension -- how to design and create edible gardens.

It was April – and the siren song of edible gardens was hitting the high C and the fat lady was singing.

It was time to stop dreaming and start learning how to create an edible garden – it was an SRO audience at the kick off to the Strauss Museum, home to the Garden State’s Atlantic Highlands Historical Society.

http://www.app.com/article/20130408/GETPUBLISHED/304080304/?nclick_check=1

and

http://themonmouthjournal.com/leeann-lavin-to-speak-about-kitchen-garden-design-wednesday-april-p3749-73.htm

I brought lots of seed catalogs to dazzle the guests.

I think the art and photos of plant and seed catalogs are not unlike looking through a fashion magazine – just better.

The botanical art – both fine art and photography – is seductive, seasonal, and showcases the beauty of the new-for-this-year plants.

It’s so “Runway,” no?

It also so Garden Glamour … (that’s my other, garden-focused blog. www.gardenglamour-duchessdesigns.blogspot.com )

The informative, food-focused presentation of my Historical Society talk was a lively discussion punctuated by an image-filled PowerPoint presentation.

My aim was to share my experience and knowledge about the importance of growing food – and I think the exuberant audience was on board for that.

And I wanted to demonstrate why growing our own food is ever more important for our health and tastebuds and the sheer, sensual pleasure of eating.

And further, to show how one can readily go about growing their own food.

I showed some of my edible garden designs – by flavor, color, and season.

I demonstrated via video images how to compost and care for the soil.

I talked about the Homegrown growers from the book – and the chefs who are inspired by the them and the artisanal makers, citing Bee Sting Honey, Paumanok Vineyards, Peconic Pearl oysters and Balsam Farms, in particular.

After a lively presentation, discussion/Q&A and book signing (ten percent of the sales were donated to the Historical Society) -- there were more an a few of us to retreat to the village proper in Atlantic Highlands’ – started as an artist’s colony eons ago. Today, its vibrant main street still boasts local artisans, galleries, theater, cinema and restaurants. We headed to the Copper Canyon for after-event wine and cocktails. We met Diane Pittet, cheese monger at Sickles and contributing editor to Organic Gardening who was a splendid addition to our edible conversation there (plus she rides her bike most everywhere so we are in total simpatico)

And I met Barbara (Bee) Bateman and Peter Doyle - who are now garden design clients. (Going for he edible garden)

Me and B

As the Strauss Museum Atlantic Highlands Historical Society was ramping up, I was stuttering on the PowerPoint.

My gorgeous, Garden State neighbor, Stacy, brought it to life.

Stacy helping me w tech

Not to be outdone, I and my team worked hard – and fast -- to make Stacy’s edible garden come to life.

As a vegetarian and mother of two astonishingly beautiful children, Stacy was so enthused to create her own edible garden for her family.

In fact, she hired me to fulfill her dream in time for Mother’s Day – the edible garden design and installation was a gift from her husband.

I think this is such an inspiring idea that I just might start a new, Homegrown Mother’s Day revolution: help Mothers help their families by starting a Homegrown edible garden! Win. Win.Win.

Put a fork in it.

Homegrown

Then of course, there is the iconic Beard on Books talks that pepper the calendar. 2013 was a splendid year with an extraordinary roster of chefs and food authors.

The Beard on Books talks are Wednesdays, noon, at the Beard Foundation, located at 12^th Street, NYC – around the corner from our Gotham apartment.

I’ve written a detailed review of the year’s talks at the Beard Foundation and The New School and the Cookbook Fair, to highlight the best cookbooks for 2013. Perhaps it’s best you jump there to read a full review at my Examiner column: http://www.examiner.com/article/top-ten-2013-cookbooks-review

It’s always so welcoming at the Beard House – there are some refreshments, too.

And I always feel good after seeing one of my food, nutrition and public health idols there – Marion Nestle – who attends with some frequency.

I often say food is like a prism – one can see myriad issues refracted in its optics: cooking, dining, farming, healthcare, politics, workers rights, immigration, agriculture, and business…

The only thing better this year was that for two of the Beard on Book talks, I collaborated with the Beard Foundation to bring the summer students who attended the two Food sessions at the Passport NYC 92 St Y program for Culinary Arts:

The Y produces a very exciting syllabus for the Food sessions: visiting the Chew, the Greenmarkets, culinary schools and me!

http://www.92y.org/Uptown/Passport-NYC-Camps/Specialty-Camps/Culinary-Arts.aspx

I was honored and delighted to give a talk about my Hamptons & Long Island Homegrown Cookbook and careers in the world of food, out of the kitchen.

I thought we could hold the talks at the Beard Foundation – so the students could “soak up” the culinary atmosphere and history.

Then the icing on the cake! When I inquired about the possibility of getting a room for the Homegrown talk, the Beard Foundation staff, headed by Susan Ungaro, Diane Harris Brown, IzabelaWojcik and Victoria Rodriguez doubled down!

They suggested we invite the students to the two Beard on Books talks that took place before I was to speak to the Y summer students.

This was a true, only-in-New York serendipitous networking bonanza!

Later, Victoria wrote: “We are always thrilled to share Mr. Beard’s story and his home with the next generation of food professionals, or the diners that make those jobs possible.”

Perfect!

Beard Foundation president, Susan Ungaro with Passport Y Culinary Arts students

The students were able to hear two famous authors and chefs, Miriam Rubin, the first woman to work in the kitchen at the Four Season restaurant and the author of Tomato, along with the IT chef of the year, Edward Lee.

A Brooklyn native, Lee was up from Kentucky where he lives now and manages two successful signature restaurants and a burgeoning bourbon enterprise. He was back in Gotham to promote his book, Smoke & Pickles.

After the Beard talks, the students ate their lunch in the Beard garden, designed by Garden Design Magazine staff.

And then it was my turn.

The kids were a terrific audience – eager to hear about my Homegrown book, the importance of eating local, sustainable food, and the making of the book -- from research and writing to interviewing and the photo shoots and follow-on media tours.

This segued to the other topic: careers in the food world that didn’t include the kitchen.

I received two, handwritten thank-you letters from the students signed by each of them that I cherish and keep in my Homegrown treasure box in my atelier office.

Homegrown Cookbook Events.

Far and away, the most exhilarating, glamorous events for the Homegrown Cookbook – and by extension – me as author - were the summer events in the Hamptons and the corresponding news feature news coverage in Hamptons Magazine.

If you don’t already subscribe to the magazine, you must do so (and don’t forget their Twitter and Instagram – to keep up with all things au courant in the Hamptons).

It was a double rainbow to not only be featured in the lead-off to summer Hamptons Magazine issue for the book http://hamptons-magazine.com/the-latest/east-end-eats/postings/hamptons-chefs-reveal-recipes-in-the-hamptons-and-long-island-homegrown-cookbook

Be still my Homegrown heart!

But then, I was also invited as a co-host Author at the premiere East Hamptons Author’s Night event at editor Michael Braverman’s impossibly sublime home that is dominated by a library, pool and garden.

Is there anything else one needs in life?

This is a man after my own heart…

More on this magical evening in the Homegrown Look Book Year in Review, Part 2.

The spectacular weekend-plus events kicked off in June with a book signing and tasting at the always popular Loaves & Fishes – THE center of all things culinary in the Hamptons.

The shop has every conceivable cooking, baking, and presentation tool any culinary artist could ever dream up. Loaves & Fishes is owned and lovingly managed by master chef and educator, Anna Pump and her daughter, Sybile and her husband, Garrett.

I was thrilled to do a book signing there in June.

I adore the village of Bridgehampton and schedule a lunch there before events with my husband’s boss and her husband. Plus Bill gets to stock up on some hard to find, cool, kitchen items.

Bill shopping with help from Sybile

As it ended up, Anna took ill so it was Sybile and me.

It was a brilliantly, beautiful Hamptons day. Sybile made oh-so-tasty treats.

And I got to meet new Homegrown fans.

Martha (L)

New Homegrown friend, Sharon Donno (L) with her kitchen designer & my Homegrown friend, Toni Sabatino

It was especially fun to meet up with a new foodie acquainence and lifestyle expert, Martha McCully, who’d I’d met at a recent food event. http://www.marthamccully.com

After the book signing, me, Bill, my Homegrown fan and friend and talented kitchen designer, Toni Sabatino http://www.tonisabatinostyle.com and her partner, Richard, and friend, Sharon, enjoyed an after-work reward at another featured Homegrown chef: Jason Weiner at his Almond Bridgehampton restaurant. And right across the way is chef Tom Colicchio’s newest restaurant, Topping Rose.

Chef Jason Weiner, Almond, greets Richard, Toni and our entire table

We sat at the outdoor café on the Almond triangle that reminds me of the Flatiron crossroads.

Homegrown Toast to a great Loaves & Fishes book signing in Bridgehampton

For the Sag Harbor Health & Wellness farmers market, it was two days of talking to Homegrown aficionados, book signings, and for one blessed day, I was joined by farmer, writer, bread maker, lecturer, and featured grower in the Homegrown Cookbook, Peter Garnham. I was advised that attendees would want to hear from local growers and who better than Peter?

Peter puts the farmer in the Farmers Market.

By way of thumbnail background, Peter not only designed and maintained the American Hotel’s garden as noted in the Homegrown Cookbook but also contributes his talent to the Balsam Farms EECO initiative and is a contributing writer to horticulture publications including Organic Gardening, Fine Gardening and Horticulture.

Peter was a hero at the Farmer’s Market and I sold a ton of books. We scooted to the nearby American Hotel – featured in the Homegrown Cookbook -- and where I stayed for much of the research interviews, writing and photo shoots…. Here we enjoyed some of our favorite treats: martinis and Hog ousters… ahhh. Couldn’t love a place more.

As a segue to Saturday’s Great Chefs evening event, let me just say that I wrote about it the day before on my blog here: http://celebritychefsandtheirgardens.blogspot.com/2013/07/chefs-dinner-meet-chefs-cocktails-and.html

And then shazaam – a lightening bolt of magic – Chef Eric Ripert Tweeted the blog post!

See, Chef Eric was the VIP at the Great Chefs dinner benefit the following night.

Timing-wise, I missed Chef Eric’s Tweet to his bazillion Followers as I was working the Homegrown book signing at the Sag Harbor Farmers Market. Followed by that enjoyable “after work” reward at the American Hotel.

Then, before heading back to the Market and a talk on non-GMO issues at Slow Food East End cocktail party – I saw it. The blog and my Twitter were on fire.

At the Great Chefs Dinner the next night when Chef Eric arrived at the benefit, he strode confidently and directly to my table in Jeff’s Kitchen at the Hayground School – site of the benefit.

The bubble in my head was playing it out like a slow-motion cinematic arrival.

I felt I could see him through the glossy haze as he came closer to the Homegrown table.

I was so smitten, excited and overwhelmed that I sang out, “Thank you sooo much, Chef!”

And without hesitation, Chef replied so suave and deliberate, “But of course, we Love the Homegrown Cookbook.”

Now the bubble was telling me to wake up. Surely, I am dreaming.

To hear him say that – and in his romantic-French accent is to experience what the angels must sound like as they welcome you to heaven...

Then, being the super-star that he is, Chef Eric straight away picks up a Hamptons & LI Homegrown book and poses – with me!

The camera flash from fans, guests, and the press is more like champagne bubbles popping.

It was all so dreamy.

And a lasting memory…

The PS to this story is this: not wanting Chef Eric to have to come back nor carry his book around the chef tastings there, I dropped off the Homegrown book at his all-star restaurant, Le Bernardin.

If you’ve never dined there – you must.

Chef Eric’s restaurant staff is as kind and cordial as he is and they welcomed me and accepted the book.

I thought that would be the last of it as I have hand delivered books before and never really know if they got to the recipient.

But in this case, Chef Eric again wrote via email that he had indeed received the book and is excited to add to the restaurant’s library of books.

So it’s a bouquet of culinary delights: Chef Eric’s Bridgehampton amour and his abiding respect for homegrown ingredients plus he shares the knowledge and bounty with his staff…

My Long Island foodie friend Nancy Vallarella accompanied me to the Great Chefs dinner benefit for Jeff's Kitchen

and captured the images.. Nancy writes “What’s Cookin’ Smithtown” https://www.facebook.com/chef.noko.wcs

Me and Nancy at the Great Chefs Dinner benefit event

Nancy meets Out East Foodie, Laura Luciano

The Hayground School staff was so very good to me.

I so appreciated the opportunity to showcase The Hamptons & Long Island Homegrown Cookbook at the benefit and to have the chance to talk to fans and meet new ones. From Toni Ross to her entire team – everyone was so nice and accommodating and made the event so special.

The gorgeous & kind Toni Ross in red

I donated ten percent of the book sales to the benefit. And while this is so very modest compared to the big donors there at the event, it was the best way to honor the Hayground School and this opportunity.

Toni is orchestrating group shot of the chefs - so many are Homegrown chefs

Love this! The apple doesn't fall far from the tree: Chef Joe Realmuto's daughter shows off Dad!

The Hayground School is special to me too.

Chef Bryan Futerman and Hayground School's Jon Snow

I fell in love with the concept and mission and the gardens and kitchen after Chef Bryan Futerman – a featured chef in the Homegrown book -- selected the Bridgehampton Children’s Garden and Jon Snow as the garden that inspires him most.

It is all magic there. http://www.haygroundcamp.org/garden.cfm

As a courtesy to you my Homegrown friends and fans – I feel I must break the year review into two postings.

When I started writing this review post, I honestly didn’t think there was so much to report.

But in researching and composing the story, I am delighted to discover that there was an abundance of Homegrown riches in 2013.

It was indeed very successful. It was a full plate, if you will pardon the analogy.

(Just not enough time to write about all of it.)

So as a courtesy to your reading time allowance – I’m going to report this in two parts.

Thank you for your Homegrown interest and support.

You cannot miss the next installment of the Hamptons & Long Island Homegrown Cookbook year in review – it includes the East Hampton Library Authors Night, Alec and Hilaria Baldwin, Gwyneth Paltrow, Hamptons Magazine and Padma Lakshmi – to name drop a few…

Enjoy.

The next part of the Homegrown story to follow.

Tell me – were you there at the Homegrown events? Did you find a local grower and maker in your area?

Did you attend the benefits? Did you visit the featured Homegrown restaurants?

So many Homegrown fans tell me they use the book not just for good reading and recipes, but they also use it as a kind of Passport to homegrown dining – visiting every restaurant in the book, often asking the chef for an autograph too. Now that’s Homegrown dessert.

Put a farm-fresh Oysterponds strawberry on it…

Cheers.

The Hamptons & Long Island Homegrown Cookbook Book Signing at Plant-O-Rama

noreply@blogger.com (Garden Glamour) — Tue, 14 Jan 2014 15:13:00 -0500

The 18^th Annual Plant-O-Rama Horticultural Trade Show & Symposium is produced by the Metro Hort Group – an Association of Horticultural Professionals in the New York City Tri-State Region.

Plant-O-Rama has long been considered the crown jewel of horticultural events – bringing together horticultural and gardening professionals, garden designers, plant enthusiasts, urban farmers and agriculturists - to learn from the Horticulture leaders who speak and lecture at the all-day symposium.

Plus there are the authors’ talks and book signings – which is where I come in!

I am thrilled and honored to be invited to participate in this year’s Plant-O-Rama Authors book talks and book signings with my book, The Hamptons & Long Island Homegrown Cookbook.

goo.gl/0Moqvo

I am eager to see my former Brooklyn Botanic Garden family – I was privileged to work at the Garden as Director of Communications for many glorious years.

I also can’t wait to spend time with my Metro Hort and plant friends, especially – (and in no particular order…)

Bob Hyland – a dedicated and respected plantsman, garden designer and former vice president of horticulture at BBG.

Bob was the genius who created the dreamy Bluebell Wood at the Garden.

Today, the more than 45,000 Hyacinthoides hispanica 'Excelsior' bloom under the oak, birch and beech trees, there.

It is a favorite site of many romantic heart-clutching visitors and lovers not to mention the site for shooting glamorous, otherworldly TV shows, movies, and videos.

I remember one memorable shoot when musician Dave Matthews shot his “Dream Girl” video with - who else? Julia Roberts as his Dream Girl.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4bFX1ZEKyA

(At that time, Julia lived upstairs from us in our Manhattan apartment building. She brought the twins with her to the shoot. So it all seemed liked wonderful serendipity and unimagined beauty all 'round...)

The morning of the shoot was all misty and mysterious making it all that much more magical…

Bob moved to Portland, Oregon and is now the owner of Hyland Garden Design & Contained Exuberance http://www.hylandgardendesign.com

Panel moderator, Ken Druse, is a garden communicator extraordinaire, garden photographer, writer and author – with – what is it -- more than 16 books in his portfolio now??

For a full listing and link to buy Ken’s books:

goo.gl/K5BnBT

His iTunes radio podcast, Real Dirt covers the world of gardens, featuring interviews with intriguing and visionary garden luminaries, notables and artists -- including, ahem, me! http://www.kendruse.typepad.com (scroll down a few)

Ken is a horticulturist, a sustainable garden lover and a BIG promoter and mentor to young professionals in the green industry.

At the same time, Ken is a generous networker and has been ever so good to me this way too – looking to make the garden and plant connections that will benefit the entire horticulture community.

I am proud to say I've been a card-carrying member of the Ken Druse fan club since -- forever!

https://www.facebook.com/ken.druse

Ken is a nice garden sprite... and a true Hort Hero.

Speaking of Hort Heroes, there is the inimitable Charles Yurgalevitch, Director School of Professional Horticulture, The New York Botanical Garden.

And as part of Metro Hort’s Board of Directors, Charles serves as Secretary.

Charles is tireless in his devotion to the SoPH students -- always looking to educate and showcase the next-generation of green industry environmentalists and professionals.

In fact, he launched the very successful "Hortie Hoopla" last summer, inviting all the interns from area parks, botanic gardens and arboreta for a first-ever day of lectures, Garden tours, and networking. (duchess designs.blogspot.com/2013/07/the-new-york-botanical-garden-hosts.html)

Look for the encore event this summer.

Plus Charles is a foodie!

And I am keen to reconnect with fellow author, Marta McDowell, who I met on the Metro Hort’s tour of Greenwood Gardens early last fall.

There was the group of us “training” it from NYC to the nearby train station in Short Hills in the Garden State – not far from Marta’s home -- and she was kind enough to give some of us a lift in her “garden express!”

At that time she told me about her upcoming book and I warmed to the charming subject immediately.

Now her book is out and is a big success: Beatrix Potter’s Gardening Life, The Plants and Places That Inspired the Classic Children’s Tale

My garden writer friend, Anne Raver wrote about Marta’s book in a recent NY Times article, too.

Here is a whimsical video about the book:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UlCldbhsl8w&feature=youtu.be

I don’t yet know the other authors but I am very much looking forward to meeting them and learning about their plant and garden books.

The schedule for the Authors Talks is:

Author Talks and Book Signings

Lily-Pool Room 10am to noon and again from 1-3pm

Leeann Lavin, Hamptons and Long Island Homegrown Cookbook

Bill Logan, Air: The Restless Shaper of the World

Susanne Lucas, Bamboo

Marta McDowell, Beatrix Potter’s Gardening Life, The Plants and Places That Inspired the Classic Children’s Tale

Vincent Simeone, Grow More With Less: Sustainable Garden Methods

Here is the full listing of the day’s schedule and a link to purchase tickets:

January 28^th, 2014

9:00am to 4:00pm

Link to tickets: brownpapertickets.com/event/515529

Full listing for the symposium and trade show: http://metrohort.org/index.php/archive/18th_annual_plant-o-rama/

Overview of Plant-O-Rama 2014

8:45 am: Welcome & Sponsor Acknowledgment

9:00 am: NEW DIRECTIONS IN HORTICULTURE:

A layered look at plant and garden trends
David L. Culp, VP, Marketing & Sales, Sunny Border Nurseries, Kensington, CT Mr. Culp has his finger on the pulse of the nursery and horticulture industry, particularly perennial plants. Hear Dave interpret “where we’ve been & where we’re going.” What’s up with layered planting styles, container gardening, demand for multi-season garden shrubs, “green” and other trending garden colors, native plants, naturalistic planting methods, and more. Dave is author of the 2012 award- winning book The Layered Garden: Design Lessons for Year-Round Beauty from Brandywine Cottage. Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing.

10:15 am WHAT WILL THE FUTURE OF HORTICULTURE LOOK LIKE?

Panel discussion moderated by Ken Druse, award-winning garden communicator, author and photographer
A group of young professionals give us a look into the future of horticulture in
a challenging, fast-changing world. Topics include soil consciousness, water, public gardens, education, growing food, climate change, technology, social media, and making a living in our profession. We hope the audience will participate with questions and comments.
Morning speakers focus on public horticulture, garden design & urban agriculture. Katherine Aul (partner, Staghorn Design Studio), Kristen DeSouza (superintendent, Allen C. Haskell Park), Rebecca McMackin (director of horticulture, Brooklyn Bridge Park), Kelly Norris (horticulture manager, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, and co-owner of Rainbow Iris Farm), Gwen Schantz (chief operating officer, Brooklyn Grange)

AFTERNOON SYMPOSIUM SESSION (repeat of morning)
12:45 pm 2 pm
NEW DIRECTIONS IN HORTICULTURE: A layered look at plant and garden trends
DISCUSSION: What will the future of horticulture look like?
Afternoon speakers focus on nursery production and management, plants and
conservation & youth education. Jason Austin (nurseryman, RareFind Nursery), David Daley (Children’s Garden educator, Brooklyn Botanic Garden), Nate McCullin (horticulturalist and facilities coordinator, New England Wildflower Society/ Garden in the Woods), Rebecca McMackin (director of horticulture, Brooklyn Bridge Park), Kelly Norris (horticulture manager, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, and co-owner of Rainbow Iris Farm)
3:30 pm
CLOSING RECEPTION & SILENT AUCTION RESULTS —BBG Palm House

Exhibits – Free Admission All Day!

8:30 a.m.–3 p.m.	Plant Catalog Display Members’ Room FREE! Take home 2014 plant and seed catalogs while supplies last.
9 a.m.–4 p.m.	Palm House Trade Show A Trade show with 50 exhibitors representing the NYC metro region’s premier specialty nurseries and wholesale growers, pottery distributors, horticultural suppliers, soil and compost companies, public gardens, and greening organizations. Exhibitor list in formation—check metrohort.org for updates.
10 a.m.–noon 1–3 p.m.	Author Talks and Book Signings Lily-Pool Room Leeann Lavin, Hamptons and Long Island Homegrown Cookbook Bill Logan, Air: The Restless Shaper of the World Susanne Lucas, Bamboo Marta McDowell, Beatrix Potter’s Gardening Life, The Plants and Places That Inspired the Classic Children’s Tale Vincent Simeone, Grow More With Less: Sustainable Garden Methods
11 a.m.–3:15 p.m.	Silent Auction Classroom 236 Bid on plants and horticultural items donated by Plant-O-Rama exhibitors and sponsors. Proceeds benefit Metro Hort Group programs.
3:30 p.m.	Closing Reception and Silent Auction Results Palm House
10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.	BBG Garden Shop The Garden Shop at BBG’s Visitor Center carries books, seeds, plants, tools, and gifts for gardeners and the home.
10 a.m.–3 p.m.	Terrace Café The Terrace Café offers a delicious winter menu of soups, sandwiches, desserts, and beverages in the lower level of the Steinhardt Conservatory.

SYMPOSIUM REGISTRATION  REGISTER ONLINE to reserve seats:  brownpapertickets.com/event/515529