At Home with Kim Vallee

What's Cooking with Jamie Oliver soon on Nintendo DS

Kim Vallee — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 22:40:35 -0500

Last May, I talked about how the Nintendo DS handheld could be a cool tool in the kitchen.

Basically, I explained why I think it makes more sense than the computer. At the time, I introduced a French digital cookbook called Leçons de cuisine.

Preview at E3

Now it is the turn of 100 recipes by Jamie Oliver to go on the Nintendo DS handheld. What's Cooking with Jamie Oliver will roll out starting October 2008.

It is more than a cooking game with several levels and competitions. Players can store 100 of their own recipes into the cookbook. The only draw back is that you are limited to hundreds of handpicked ingredients to record your own dishes.

The coolest thing is the shopping list. You build your shopping list from the list of ingredients of the selected recipes. The shopping list supports both Jamie’s recipes and your own recipes. You can easily bring your DS when you go grocery shopping and save on paper.

Until them, I am leaving you with a preview of some screenshots. All Jamie Oliver’s photos on the game were photographed by his long time collaborator David Loftus. Until the release of What's Cooking with Jamie Olive on the DS, rely on his vast collection of cookbooks.

>>> Sourcing:
Via: Atari serves up Jamie Oliver deal [Licensing.biz]
Via: Jamie Oliver Gets His Own Video Game [Food for Thought]
Via: E308: The Jamie Oliver game is ... really cool? [DS fanboy]

Tags: cooking, recipes, games, nintendo ds, jamie oliver

Updating the Classic Fraisier

Kim Vallee — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 23:31:25 -0500

This French dessert is apparently the first fresh fruit cake. Fraisier is delicious and is a favorite during the first summer months.

A fraisier is basically a genoise sliced in two halves, filled with creme mousseline (creme patissiere combined with butter) and fresh strawberries. The top is made of a pink or green almond paste layer. This is the original version that Elle à Table qualifies avant-garde in 1960.

I am taking this opportunity to talk about how you can take any old recipe, make same adjustment to the recipe to reflect current trend and develop a new food presentation. The idea is to reinvent a classic dish.

The Fraisier, 2008 edition

Last year, La Tartine Gourmande reinvented the Fraisier by topping the genoise and freshly sliced strawberries with a snow-light rhubarb mousse made with mascarpone, rhubarb purée , egg whites and whipped cream. Strawberry goes well with rhubarb. Bea was inspired by the classic layout but her version looks more modern.

Elle à Table went a step further by serving the fraisier as a verrine in the June 2008 issue. They replaced the creme mousseline and genoise with a little bit of mascarpone and a few cookies. I like this simpler recipe. The mint sprigs add even more freshness to the lighter fresh strawberry dessert.

Usual Tips Before You Attempt Your First Fraisier

Making a good genoise cake is more difficult that you think. A genoise is basically a sponge cake brushed with liquor syrup. It is To understand the challenge and get the tricks to succeed, read Genoise Instruction on Eggbeater, a blog by pastry Chef Shuna Fish Lydon.

>>> Sourcing:
Top Row Photo Credits: Jérôme Bilic for Elle à Table, June 2008 issue - rights reserved
Second Row Photo Credits: La Tartine Gourmande - rights reserved

Tags: dessert, food presentation, french, recipes, summer

Kid Pirate Birthday Party | Real-life Party

Kim Vallee — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 19:47:46 -0500

I am happy to announce that the Real-life Party series which will feature actual parties done by you is officially opened.

To be fair, it is the third real-life parties from readers since I showcased the Caveman Theme for a 40th Birthday Party in January 2008 and Yuri Gagarin's Night Party 2008 in Montreal in April 2008.

Birthday Cake and Party Favors

Steph, a.k.a. KiwiGirlSteph on Flickr made these adorable cupcakes for a boy fourth birthday party. This mom is very talented and she bakes cakes for her friends and family.

The birthday cake was in fact a pirate ship. The cupcakes were the loot. Every cupcake went home in a mini treasure chest along with chocolate coins and pirate stickers.

The Invitations Set the Tone

The invites were homemade with a lot of pirate speak. They selected a treasure map design and aged the paper with tea.

Décor and Costume

The party was a fantastic event organized by the parents. First, they decorated their house with a pirate theme. All the kids and parents were
dressed up.

Activities for the Kids

It is important to plan several activities to amuse the kids. The parents set up a tattoo parlor manned by an Auntie. Other activities include a dress up treasure chest, pin the patch on the pirate game and the usual treasure hunt. To top it up, they hired a pirate Captain Blackboots to perform on his small scaled pirate ship.

Summer Bamboo Food Cover at Graham and Green

Kim Vallee — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 01:15:46 -0500

Food covers are a necessity in certain regions. Unfortunately, they often lack style. This is not the case of these gorgeous bamboo food covers.

Available in three colors from the UK retailer Graham and Green, you can harmonize the bamboo food covers with a set of 3 baskets.

Like you can see on the left picture, the look feels more sophisticated if you mix colors. Repeat some key elements and have fun creating your tabletop.

>>> Sourcing:
Buy online: Summer Bamboo Food Cover at Graham and Green – price: £10.95
Buy online: Summer Bamboo Baskets at Graham and Green – price: £12.95 for the set of 3

Tags: garden party, tableware, outdoor, bamboo, UK, summer

Beautifully Modern Embroidered Wall Wear by Neawear | Etsy watch

Kim Vallee — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 20:02:54 -0500

Today, I am doubly happy to showcase the excellent work of this etsy seller.

Original Patterns

First of all, the wall wears by Neawear are beautiful. They are cross-stitch and embroidery pieces, framed in embroidery hoops (wooden new, vintage metal and wood).

The artist own patterns mixes fresh illustrations with old charms. Like many, I enjoy their modern simplicity. Janick’s wall wears are doing well on Etsy.

About the Creator

Secondly, Janick is one of my Web2.0 friends from Montreal. I say a Web2.0 friend since Janick and I interact exclusively through Web communities until now. We almost met once at a Creacamp.

Earlier this month, as I checked Janick’s Flickr photostream, I spot her wall wear. Then, I noticed a big announcement. Janick is taking the plunge and will work full-time on her crafting business.

Janick was a graphic designer. We met through blogging. She makes jewelry under the Nea Jewelry brand. She operates two Etsy shops. Neawear is her jewelry and wall wear shop. You can buy craft supplies at neablossoms.

Janick’s story is typical of many women who are realizing their dreams because of the Internet. You can find in the women blogosphere many inspiring stories.

I Love Etsy

I do not do craft projects. But I enjoy buying handmade stuff on Etsy. As a consumer, I get access to unique products that I could not find otherwise. I often talk about Etsy to people I met. Imagine, I am not even a seller.

It is easy to forget that Etsy created a marketplace for so many artists. Etsy defines its mission as:

…to enable people to make a living making things, and to reconnect makers with buyers.

In case of Neawear and so many more Etsy sellers, I vouch that they achieved their goal.

Wall Wear Collections

So far, Janick developed three series: Taxidermy, Twirlies and Flora. Janick accepts requests for custom initial embroidered wall wear. Neawear’s creations make original housewarming gift.

>>> Sourcing:
Buy online: M is for... Wall Wear by neawear – price: $70 USD (not shown)
Buy online: Taxidermy Dragonfly Wall Wear by neawear – price: $75 USD
Buy online: Flora Wall Wear 8 by neawear – price: $65 USD
Janick's Blog: Creativadoration

Tags: handmade, etsy seller, montreal, craft, artist, housewarming gifts, home decor

Mangerbouger.fr Promotes Better Eating Habits

Kim Vallee — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 15:49:49 -0500

I was reading an issue of the French magazine Elle à Table at lunch. As I turned the pages, I noticed something particular about the food ads.

They have a warming message like we see for alcohol. Except that the message written in large font at the bottom of each food ad promotes good eating habits.

Processed Food Advertising in France

To feed my curiosity, I visited mangerbouger.fr to get the facts. All processed food products and drinks with added sugar, sweetener or salt are subject to this law. The law became in effect February 28, 2007.

I think that Canada and the United States should do the same. Everyone can benefit by following these 4 simple rules:

Avoid food that is too fatty, too salty or too sweet
Eat daily 5 portions of fruits and vegetables
Refrain snacks between meals
Exercise regularly.

There are two schools of thoughts for snacks. Some experts believe we should spread out food intake in 5 to 6 meals during the day. Others believe in the 3 meals a day system. I follow the 3 meals a day. I will eat a snack once in a while. Snacks are bad because in reality, we do not reduce our meal portions. Therefore, snacks add calories to our daily intake.

Examining my earlier tomatoes, zucchini and fish menu shows that you won’t give up taste by eating well. That is a huge part of stylish living.

>>> Sourcing:
Learn more: Mangerbouger.fr – only in French

Tags: food, family life, everyday, trend, french

My Cooking Tips for a Summer Menu

Kim Vallee — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 12:13:52 -0500

Last Saturday, my husband Jerome and I went to the Atwater farmer’s market. We stocked the fresh produce to test three recipes by Eric Ripert. Our meal was simple to prepare and absolutely delicious.

We drank the white wine I received from Seven Daughters. It was a nice pairing. My review of this wine tasting experience is coming soon.

How I Did?

Every cook adapts the technique to his/her style. I wish to share things I did differently. Refer to the recipes on video by Eric Ripert for the ingredients and instructions.

I do not own a toaster oven since I have no counter space to spare. Truthfully, it is that I prefer leaving my counter free for other usages. Therefore, I set my gas oven at the low Broil temperature. It was the perfect heat.

Parmesan Zucchini with Balsamic

We prepared 2 almost medium zucchinis for the both of us. I cut the preparation time by using a V-shaped stainless steel blade mandoline slicer. I used the .75mm blade.

My Zyliss 11700 mandoline slicer is good enough. Some people complain that this mandoline does not produce perfectly uniform batch of slices and juliennes. It does happen from time to time.

For serving, I found a short cut to plate the zucchinis in spiral. Instead of a plate, I used the lovely Sophie Conran’s round pie dish for serving. I grabbed about 2-3 inches by 2 inches of zucchinis at a time with a spatula and neatly simulates a circle arrangement. The result is not a perfect spiral like Eric Ripert did but it is much quicker to make.

Tomatoes Provencal

I found that there is no need to brush the aluminum paper on the baking tray if you season and drizzle the olive oil on both sides directly on the tray. Naturally, the herbs of Provence goes only on one side.

Since I was busy with getting ready to take pictures, I left the tomatoes longer on the stove. They still tasted wonderful. Ideally, count 8 minutes to cook right your tomatoes provencal.

When I have guests over for dinner, I opt for recipes that do not require a very precise cooking time in case I am distracted. I keep a cookbook with recipes fit for entertaining. In fact, all three recipes are now on my entertaining cookbook.

Grilled Black Bass

I did not own a large slate. Therefore we used the second best thing: the shallow pan that comes with your oven. The fish was juicy and tasty.

I also tried the triangular top lemon pieces. Mines were not as cute. But with a little practice, we can achieve symmetry.

Tags: recipes, food presentation, entertaining, menu, how-to

Double Duty: Party Favors and Lunch Bags

Kim Vallee — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:10:02 -0500

One clear fact that emerged from my debate on kid birthday party favors is the party favors must be useful to win everyone’s hearts.

Craft Project

Ohdeedoh showcases this vintage looking oilcloth lunch bag by Martha Stewart’s Living today. They have a universal appeal.

Kids uses lunch bags all the time. This model has the advantage that you can insert it in the kid backpack. You could add a Velcro if you want that the bag stayed closed.

Serve and Give

Seeing the lunch bag with the nametag made me think about using the bag to serve the food at a birthday party. The kids can bring home the lunch bag as their treat.

For the kids to enjoy this party favor, you need to find oilcloth patterns that will appeal to them. Make each lunch bag unique by varying the combinations of colors and patterns.

Visit Martha Stewart for the complete set of instructions on how to make the oilcloth lunch bag.

Eco-friendly Option

You can replace oilcloth with organic canvas if you wish an eco-friendly lunch bag. Simply draw a different image to make each canvas lunch bag unique.

>>> Sourcing:
How-to: Oilcloth Crafts: Lunch Bags on Martha Stewart
Via: Blogging MS: Make an Oilcloth Lunch Bag [Ohdeedoh]

Tags: craft, handmade, birthday, party favors, kids party, entertaining with kids, garden party, picnic, bag, martha stewart

Noye House by Stuart Tanner Architects | Modern Australian House – part 2

Kim Vallee — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 11:48:02 -0500

This simple modern family house makes me dream. The public rooms – kitchen, dining room and living room - sit upstairs to get the most of the views. A rational planning allows for privacy between parents and children.

Based in Hobart, Tasmania, Stuart Tanner Architects considers public space, landscape and urban design play in their work. Here, the entrance demarcation wall marks the transition between the street and the house.

The Noye House can be viewed as an evolution of the mid-century modernism that was popularized in California. I like it! I feel the design can appeal to lots of families.

Visit online Stuart Tanner Architects for more photos. Check out the Pirate Bay House at the same time. According to Inhabitat, the Pirate Bay House fuses the subtle, elegant lines of modern architecture with environmentally sustainable goals.

>>> Sourcing:
Images from Stuart Tanner Architects

Tags: architecture, modern, family life, australia, home decor

Free Parking for Hybrid Cars at Opus Hotels

Kim Vallee — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 10:35:35 -0500

When we went to San Francisco last winter, we rented a Prius. It is a fun car to drive. We stayed at Hotel Vitale and two Fairmont hotels. My husband and I truly appreciated the fact that Fairmont gave us free valet parking because we drove a hybrid car.

Unfortunately, Fairmont green generosities extend only to California. I find the hip Hotel Vitale with its relaxing and good for the soul experience is missing the boat by not having a similar policy. This is the only area where I give a failing grade to Hotel Vitale.

Opus Hotels in Vancouver and Montreal

As a Canadian, I am proud to announce that the Canadian boutique hotel chain Opus Hotels started to offer free valet parking to anyone who shows up in a hybrid car. Opus Hotels has a blog where they tell how what measures they are taking right now to lesser the impact of environment.

What Can You Do As A Guest?

As a hotel guest, we can also make a contribution this summer on our vacation. Simple actions like turning off the light, music and reducing the air conditioning power when we go out add on the energy we consume as a society.

You can watch the following video with Katrina Carroll-Foster, VP Sales & Marketing, Opus Hotels, for more green living tips.

These ideas are a start. Do you integrate green living into your vacation plan? I am curious to know how you do it.

Via: Is Green the new Black? [Opus Hotel Blog]

Tags: luxury, hotel, travel, green living, eco-friendly, everyday, montreal, vancouver, canadian

5 Chic and Fun Birthday Candles

Kim Vallee — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 00:48:48 -0500

Buying the candles for the birthday cake is the last thing I typically do when I host a party. This means that I settled too many times for the usual tricolor 24-candle package. I would feel less rush if I stock in advance.

With these 5 candles from 3 brands, you will be ready the next time you celebrate the birthday of a loved one.

Fred

The first two comes from the whimsical Fred brand. The Birthday Candelabra is available in pink or white. I want it next year on my cake.

I finished a couple weeks ago watching Rome series on DVD. Therefore I feel an attachment to the Roman candles.

Worldwide Co.

Continuing with humor, Worldwide Co. proposes 10 Who's Counting? models for or age sensitive friends or just for some Birthday fun. You can let the cake speak and say Lost Count, Don’t Ask, 21 again, 29 again, Thirty-ish, Forty-ish, Young at Heart, You’re Old. The traditional I Love You and Happy Birthday complete this collection. The Who's Counting? Candles collection won the Gift of the Year award in 2007.

The tall Birthday Candle is an extra long candle. It is possibly manufactured by a green company. The huge Birthday Candle measures 12 inches.

>>> Sourcing:
Buy online: Fred White Birthday Candelabra Candle – price: $5 USD
Buy online: Fred Pink Birthday Candelabra Candle – price: $5 USD
Buy online: Fred Roman Candles – price: $5 USD
Buy online: Huge Birthday Candle at Perpetual Kid – price: $24.99 USD
Buy online: Who's Counting? Candles at npw.co.uk – price: £3

Tags: cake decorations, birthday, candle, party supplies, fun, UK

Pirate Cupcakes for a Pool Party

Kim Vallee — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 18:17:23 -0500

The pirate theme seduces both children and adults. A pirate party is fit to be really creative with the décor and the food. I spot the cutest pirate cake and cupcakes on Cupcakes Take The Cake blog.

The Sweet Tooth Fairy, a cake shop from Salt Lake City made a Jolly Roger pirate cake plus several dozens of pirate cupcakes for a pirate party. I like everything from the blue and red color palette to the execution.

Pirate Kid Party Ideas

If you are looking for decor ideas, check out the pirate party mood board I did last year. The pirate theme was designed for an outdoor kid birthday party. Yo-ho-ho! A Pirate Party! written by The Finer Things provides more cool ideas.

>>> Sourcing:
Learn more: The Sweet Tooth Fairy
Photo credits: The Sweet Tooth Fairy on Flickr – rights reserved
Via: Pirate Cupcakes [Cupcakes Take The Cake]

Tags: kids party, cupcakes, cake decorations, cake shops, garden party, party theme, inspirations

Modern Australian House Showcase – part 1

Kim Vallee — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 09:21:38 -0500

I wish to share a little bit of my love for modern architecture houses today. This house is incredible on paper with two kitchens, a game room and 4 bedrooms.

Unfortunately, the interior pictures are sparse on the real estate site.

This house is beautiful without a doubt. It is easy to imagine the potential of this $1,975,000 AUD house. The total experience would be to see this house with some furniture.

Home Staging

It shows why home staging a house is important to get the best price. If you try to sell your home, make the most of every viewing by putting attention to lifestyle details.

Buyers want to look at more than empty rooms these days. Not every potential buyer is an interior designer or has developed the capability to see what a room will look like with furniture in it.

You can see the difference that the right furniture and a suitable decor make by checking this other fabulous modern architecture house located in Brisbane, Australia.

Home Designed for Entertaining

I featured the second house last year to discuss the benefits of having a patio and a dining room opening up to the kitchen. This is still one of my favorite design plans.

>>> Sourcing:
Images from 6 Heirisson Way Coogee on realestate.com.au – asking price: $1,975,000 AUD
Images from Modern in BrisVegas [design to inspire]

Tags: architecture, modern, home decor, australia

Autumn 2008 Entertaining Products from Fred

Kim Vallee — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 00:56:21 -0500

We can always find unexpected creative products from the design team at Fred. This time, they outshine themselves with their latest collection.

My favorite new products from the Autumn 2008 collection are:

FINGERFOOD is an imaginative concept. The charming little plates with rings fit right on your finger to let you carry around hors d’oeuvres.

Fred is contributing a portion of the proceeds from the PEACE of CAKE mould to organizations dedicated to peaceful resolution of conflict, justice for all, and respect for human rights.

This little truck made from satiny porcelain rolls on real rubber wheels. I love the slogan for TOOTHPICKUP: it’s where to park your picks.

Your martini will never look the same with a GIN & TITONIC ice sculpture inside your glass. You can create 4 ocean liners and 4 icebergs each time from this silicone ice cube maker.

At this point, no clues on price. But we all know that Fred’s products are a very affordable indulgence.

>>> Sourcing:
Learn more: News products from Fred

Tags: barware, cake decorations, party supplies, fun, mingle plate, cocktail party, serving ware, silicone

Bridal Shower Party Themes

Kim Vallee — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 20:33:24 -0500

A bridal shower should feel special. Why not include a dress-up / costume session for the bride to be and develop your party theme around it?

Geisha Party Theme

A couple years ago, we dressed a girlfriend as a geisha. Her bridal shower occurred over a full day. It was split in 3 parts.

We planned a hair and makeup session at a beauty salon starting at 11 o’clock. Since it takes time to create the geisha look, a friend brings her lunch. She then wore the kimono. A toast with champagne completed the first round.

Then, eight participated at a genuine Japanese tea ceremony at my house. We had a tea tasting first. Then, the 45-minute tea ceremony took place. It was a fun experience for everyone.

The group expends for the evening party. We ate at a sushi and tempura restaurant. All the women and girls invited to the wedding came to dinner.

Vintage Hostess Party Theme

You can devise the same thing around the old-fashioned housewife’s role. The key to success is to add sophisticated humor with this theme.

The Baking Goods invitation by Dinky Designs announces well the theme. These Dorothy Kitchen Gloves in summer bright colors are adorable. The white gloves are vinyl hypoallergenic with a soft flock lining. Dress the bride sexy with the Marilyn Apron with a Bandeau Top. The Sorbet Colors match the summer bright hues.

Print Your Own Cookbook

Since girlfriends should offer advice to the future bride, have a custom made cookbook printed for her with all your favorite / secret recipes. Tastebook can deliver you a professional hardcover cookbook at an affordable price. The processing time takes between 3-5 business days. Each Tastebook can hold up to 100 recipes.

Announcing Upcoming Bridal Shower Showcase

If you organize a bridal shower this summer, I would like to hear from you. Make sure to take pictures because I am planning a Bridal Shower Showcase featuring your own submissions in August 2008. More details will follow this week.

>>> Sourcing:
Buy online: Baking Goods Invitation by Dinky Designs at Fine Stationery – price: $64 for 25 custom printed invitations
Buy online: Dorothy Kitchen Gloves - Summer Brights by Carolyn's Kitchen at Bunny Maxwell – price: $22 USD
Buy online: Marilyn Apron with Bandeau Top - Sorbet Colors by Carolyn's Kitchen at Bunny Maxwell – price: $50 USD
Buy online: TasteBook Pricing Options – starts at $19.95 USD

RELATED POST:
+ Vintage Housewarming Party - with more details on Tastebook

Tags: bridal shower, wedding, showers, party theme, housewarming gifts, vintage

Tea Towels and Serving Trays by Atelier LZC

Kim Vallee — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 13:25:37 -0500

The French designers master the art of creating fun yet stylish textile patterns. And Atelier LZC continues to prove it.

We all need a few extraordinary sets to supplement our everyday tea towels. When placed on the right display, tea towels add visual interest to a simple room design. Tea towels often replace placemats and cooking mitts in the kitchen.

Entertaining Accessories

Why not put a tea towel instead a hand towel in your powder room when you entertain? Their latest Japon (Japan) and Souvenirs (Memories) models would compliment nicely an Asian party theme.

Bunny Maxwell sells a few items from Atelier LZC in the United States. They do ship internationally but you must call them to get the rates and timeframe.

The Parisian Gold Tray and the Nocturne Tray will add a definite French flair to your party. The trays are made from melamine.

My next post will be about a vintage hostess bridal party. I found the initial inspiration on Bunny Maxwell.

>>> Sourcing:
Buy online: Les Petits Plats Tea Towels at Bunny Maxwell – price: $38 USD for set of 2
Buy online: Folklore Tea Towels at Bunny Maxwell – price: $38 USD for set of 2
Buy online: Parisian Gold Tray at Bunny Maxwell – price $45 USD
Buy online: Nocturne Melamine Tray at Bunny Maxwell – price $45 USD
Via: Atelier LZC: Creative Service [Hostess with the Mostess]

Tags: hostess gifts, textile, table linen, pattern, French style, serving ware, gift ideas, melamine

Hip Infinity Pools from the UK edition of Elle decoration

Kim Vallee — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 00:56:28 -0500

The first picture shows that you do not need a lot of money to design a cool pool décor.

How To Reproduce That Look

The key to the top row pool décor is to create a cool mood through a clever use of lighting, cool flower pots and funky beach towels.

The summer night party pool features the Mesh Lounger from UK based retailer Next. In fact, the accessories used for this ad are all affordable. They all come from Next.

Decorative balls are popular in modern gardens. Next sells a set of 3 black polyterrazo balls. A 80cm high Black Garden Polyterrazzo Plinth/Planter complete this collection. Both must be stored indoors during the winter months.

The Single Lit Planter is cheaper alternative to the Bloom! Lighted Flower Pots. As far as I know, no US or Canadian distributors still carry the Bloom Pots. The Bloom! brand is still alive and productive. They launched new upscale products this year. Let’s review them in another post.

Vintage Modern Architecture

My style file for my dream house has a new addition. My dream is to live one day in a better climate all year long so I can enjoy the indoor / outdoor living. I am partial to interior where the indoor dining room walls fully open to the backyard.

This Los Angeles house belongs to renowned photographer Steve Shaw. The bachelor pad is influenced by the style of the sixties and the seventies. His house carries the James Bond’s vibe. That is why it feels cool.

Both pools came from the June 2008 issue of Elle Decoration – UK edition.

>>>
Buy online: Mesh Lounger – price: £20
Buy online: Single Lit Planter at Next– price: £40
Buy online: Black Polyterazzo Balls at Next – price: £35, set of 3 balls
Buy online: Black Garden Polyterrazzo Plinth/Planter – price: £45
Photo credits: LA modern house – pictures by Richard Powers for Elle Decoration UK edition – all rights reserved.

Tags: modern, architecture, pool, outdoor, backyard design, summer, urban style, lounger, uk, los angeles

Alfresco Recipes by Le Bernardin Chef Eric Ripert

Kim Vallee — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 12:16:03 -0500

The best dinner parties can be the improvised ones. Simply assure your success by keeping on hand a few easy to make menu.

I gathered wonderful recipes from Eric Ripert, the French Chef at Le Bernardin in New York city. Naturally fish is at the center of this menu. On a hot day, I feel fish is the perfect meal.

Eric Ripert started a food blog at the beginning of June 2008 called Avec Eric (that translates to With Eric). The edge of his blog is a series called Get Toasted where Eric prepares gourmet recipes cooked in an over the counter toaster oven.

The instructional videos are quick and fun to watch. Moreover, Eric is not shy to pass along cooking tips. By watching him, you should become a better cook.

Must Try Summer Recipes

These recipes are quick enough to prepare that you can cook them on week days.

Tomatoes Provencal - a delicious classic for your garden tomatoes
Broiled Red Snapper Fillet – look at how easy it is to nicely present the lemon
Herb Roasted Chicken Tenders – two dishes: an appetizer and a salad
Parmesan Zucchini with Balsamic

If you wish to cook a whole fish on the BBQ, you got to try this new technique. Ripper showed us how to cook black bass on a piece of slate. The fish is juicy. It tastes like the fish is infused with the flavors. It sounds divine. My husband will have to cook it for sure.

Video: A Summer Fish Grill With Eric Ripert [Grub Street by New York Magazine]

If you are familiar with several tasty and easy to prepare recipes, an impromptu dinner will not stress you. Be impulsive! Host an alfresco dinner this weekend with your friends that you have not seen for a while.

>>> Sourcing:
Blog: Avec Eric

Tags: recipes, menu, dinner party, food presentation, family life, new york, everyday entertaining