Slider Archives - Page 12 of 18

Pollo alla Cacciatora: Hunter’s Chicken

Now that fall is officially here with cooler days and nights, we tend to start cooking heartier meals.

Now that fall is officially here with cooler days and nights, we tend to start cooking heartier meals. One that comes to mind is Chicken Cacciatora, or Hunter’s Chicken. Cacciatora means hunter in Italian. In cuisine, alla cacciatora refers to a meal prepared hunter-style with tomatoes, onions, herbs, often bell pepper, and sometimes wine.

What’s great about this dish is that it can be cooked in one pot. There are many different versions of this dish, but the one I go to is from one of my favorite cookbooks: Elodia Rigante’s Italian Immigrant Cooking. It is filled with many wonderful recipes that were passed down in her family for generations, recipes that originated in the Apulia region in southern Italy where her parents were from.

To quote Elodia, “The best cacciatora is cooked slowly for a long time, so that the flavors in the sauce are subtle and perfectly blended, and the chicken is tender as butter. Therefore, even though I say to let this dish simmer for an hour, if you have time simmer it for two hours on very low heat.”

The recipe calls for a whole chicken cut up, but I prefer to use chicken legs and bone in breasts. I also like to cook with cremini mushrooms, but it is one’s preference. The original recipe adds cheese to the dish before serving, but this is optional. I am not one to measure, so always check your ingredients. You may have to adjust them.

Ingredients:

1 chicken (5 pounds) cut in pieces, or 6 chicken legs and 4 whole chicken breasts with bones, split in half with skin removed

1⁄4 cup olive oil

1 cup flour

1 cup chopped onion

1 cup sliced cremini mushrooms

1 cup julienned carrot

1 cup julienned green pepper

minced garlic (optional)

1 35 oz can whole peeled San Marzano tomatoes, crushed by hand

1 6 oz can of tomato paste

3⁄4 cup red or Marsala wine

1⁄2 cup of chopped fresh basil and parsley

1 tsp chopped fresh oregano

2 whole bay leaves

crushed black pepper to taste

salt to taste

grated Romano cheese (optional)

loaf of Italian bread

Serves 4

Wash and dry the chicken pieces. Heat the oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven. Roll and coat each chicken piece in the flour, and brown each piece on all sides to a golden brown. Transfer the chicken to a paper towel to drain.

Sauté the onion, mushrooms, carrot, green pepper, crushed black pepper, and garlic, if you are using it, in the same skillet for 10 minutes. Add the tomatoes and sauté for another 5 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste to thicken (you may not use the whole can), then add wine, herbs and salt, and cook over medium heat for another 5 minutes.

Add all the chicken pieces and mix well. Turn down the heat very low, and simmer, covered, for 1 hour or longer if you have the time to do so. Adjust the salt and pepper to your taste. Remove the bay leaves before serving.

Serve with freshly grated cheese (optional), a nice warm loaf of Italian bread, and your favorite salad. Enjoy!

Zoe Bios Creative

Zoe Bios works with dozens of artists worldwide, overlaying their prints with elements such as aging, gesso, leafing, and India ink to develop high quality pieces.

Zoe Bios Creative is a California firm I learned about at the NY NOW show. They produce art in house, creating repeatable originals in editions of 100. Zoe Bios works with dozens of artists worldwide, overlaying their prints with elements such as aging, gesso, leafing, and India ink to develop high quality pieces.

What I find wonderful about the Zoe Bios pieces is the mix of materials, like the oil paint with metallics. I love abstract art; it’s very contemporary. The various sizes available from this line allow you to play with different spaces, making a bold statement with a larger piece or using a smaller scale to suit a specific area. Their photography pieces offset the abstract collection with additional options.

Many of these prints are beautifully saturated with color. I get tired of seeing the same prints or accessories used over and over again in design magazines, so having such an appealing range of unique choices is refreshing.

To see more of the artwork offered by Zoe Bios Creative, visit their website. You can also find them on Facebook.

Fish Restaurant + Bar

We recently went to F.I.S.H. Restaurant + Bar on Bedford Rd. in Stamford and had such a memorable meal!

My husband and I enjoy trying various local restaurants. One place we love is F.I.S.H. Restaurant + Bar on Bedford Rd. in Stamford. The owners have two other restaurants (Quattro Pazzi and Osianna), and their experience in providing good food and good service is clearly evident. F.I.S.H. Restaurant + Bar has an interior that makes an immediate impression when you step inside — such a cool, edgy environment. The restaurant is small, but stylish, and has a little bit of a rustic attitude with a modern nod. It’s very appealing.

The food, of course, is what makes F.I.S.H. so memorable. The menu features a raw bar, several salads, a range of appetizers, main courses with things like chicken and pasta, and, my favorite, the Naked Fish selections. With the Naked Fish dinners, you choose your fish, the cooking method you prefer, and one of six incredible sauces. The fish also comes with your choice of a side.

My husband had the grilled octopus, which was so delicious. The mussels are a must have! My fish was really fresh, and I loved having the different options for preparing it. F.I.S.H. is open for lunch and dinner, as well as brunch on Sunday.

To see the full menu, visit the F.I.S.H. website. You can also find them on Facebook.

ABCDCS by David Collins Studios

Published by Assouline in July 2014, ABCDCS features the incredible designs of the late David Collins.

Published by Assouline in July 2014, ABCDCS features the incredible designs of the late David Collins. Born in Dublin in 1955, David Collins studied at the Bolton Street School of Architecture. He eventually made his home in London, where his design of a friend’s home led to further projects and inspired him to launch his own studio with a diverse team from various design disciplines. Collins called it The Studio, and his projects in restaurants, hotels, residences, and retail locations became known for their incredible details. His studio’s interdisciplinary approach resulted in designs that are contemporary, yet grounded in tradition.

The book is seriously invigorating. Madonna’s introduction was so insightful! Collins was a master at what he did. He was a wealth of knowledge and his work embodied that trait, with interiors that were ingenious and clever. This is just a beautiful book.

ABCDCS presents David Collins’ projects in alphabetical order by design term, giving a spectacular look at the wide range of influences at work in his aesthetic. Full of lush photographs, ABCDCS showcases the texture and restraint of The Collins Studio. This is a wonderful book to add to your collection.

Annie’s Big Book

Earlier this year, Taschen released a book of Annie Leibovitz’s photography that is simply epic in scale.

Earlier this year, Taschen released a book of Annie Leibovitz’s photography that is simply epic in scale. Developed over the course of several years, Annie Leibovitz contains the photographer’s most iconic images along with rare and never-before-seen photos. Her work spans decades and captures scenes from the worlds of entertainment, politics, business, art, and so much more.

This gorgeous hardcover edition measures 20″ by 28″ and contains over 250 photographs. Each book comes with a book stand designed by Marc Newson for display and a supplement book of essays and short texts describing the photos. There are five different signed and numbered limited edition prints of Annie Leibovitz available. Prints 1,001 through 10,000 are the Collector’s Edition and have one of four dust jackets: Whoopi Goldberg (Berkely, California, 1984), Keith Haring (New York City, 1986) , David Byrne (Los Angeles, 1986), and Patti Smith (New Orleans, 1978). Prints 1-1,000 are the Fine Art edition and include a print signed by Annie as well as all four dust jackets.

Scarlett Johansson, Chateau Marmont, Los Angeles, 2004

Queen Elizabeth II, The White Drawing Room, Buckingham Palace, London, 2007

Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon, Los Angeles, 1995

Sharon Stone, Anjelica Huston, and Diane Lane, Los Angeles, 2006

Annie Leibovitz is an incredible work of art. On display and open to any photo, this book is both a testament to a legendary photographer and a glimpse of unforgettable moments and people. For lovers of art, photography, entertainment, and history, this is a must-have addition to your home library.

Chizi’s Tale

During this past weekend, my daughters and I had the opportunity to attend a book signing for Chizi’s Tale, hosted by the author, Jack Jones. Chizi’s Tale is the story of an orphaned baby black rhino discovered in Zimbabwe by two park rangers; the rhino, only a few days old, would be unable to survive the African wilderness alone. Determined to save the baby black rhino, the two park rangers notified the park manager, who took it upon himself to take the animal home with him.

During this past weekend, my daughters and I had the opportunity to attend a book signing for Chizi’s Tale, hosted by the author, Jack Jones. Chizi’s Tale is the story of an orphaned baby black rhino discovered in Zimbabwe by two park rangers; the rhino, only a few days old, would be unable to survive the African wilderness alone. Determined to save the baby black rhino, the two park rangers notified the park manager, who took it upon himself to take the animal home with him.

Chizi’s Tale is a remarkable, moving story about an endearing and vulnerable rhino and the brave family helping him. Both sincere and charming, the introduction to Chizi’s Tale was a great way to bring awareness to my children.

A cousin of mine is currently climbing a mountain in Nepal to bring awareness to the endangerment of the black rhino. The stories shared with me regarding the prestige poachers take in hunting the black rhino left me wondering whether Chizi will survive once released from his family at age three.

Senior high-school student, Jack Jones is the author of the book, Chizi’s Tale. Focused on preserving and protecting nature, Jones wrote Chizi’s Tale hoping to raise awareness.

The world took notice of the critically endangered black rhino in 1963, when a noticeable decline of the species was documented. Reasons for population decreasing are attributed to poaching for pleasure and sustenance. Due to conservation efforts, there has been a gradual increase in the black rhino’s population numbers.

To read more about the press, ordering information, or media kit regarding Chizi’s Tale, click here.

Chizi’s Tale is available for purchase at Diane’s Books on Grigg Street in Greenwich, Connecticut; all proceeds go to Tusk: The Save the Rhino Trust.

To learn more about the endangerment of rhinos and how you can help, visit Tusk: The Save the Rhino Trust here.

Architectural Digest: Sky’s the Limit

In the August 2014 issue of Architectural Digest, I found so much inspiration in an editorial titled “Sky’s the Limit.”

I love to have tons of magazines for summer reading and, of course, the design magazines are my favorites. For me, the magazines are about looking for things that really stand out and inspire me, and in the August 2014 issue of Architectural Digest, I found so much inspiration in an editorial titled “Sky’s the Limit.” The article features a NYC residence designed by Jean-Louis Deniot. Jean-Louis is so gifted. He has the classical architecture but throws in a curve ball with the way he mixes various elements. The design of this apartment is made by all of the incredible details. There are so many intricate pieces that make up the overall design; I’ll probably go back to this article six or seven times to digest every little detail. The superb Art Deco-inspired railing in the living room, for example, is a truly custom design that immediately caught my eye, as did the amazing art. Other pieces that stand out for me as being really well executed are the bar cabinet and the window treatment fabric in the living room. Work like this makes me want to be a better designer. What have you seen lately that’s inspired you?

Veranda: Grand Traditions, Enduring Appeal

The latest issue of Veranda features a beautifully designed shingle style house on Long Island.

The latest issue of Veranda features a beautifully designed shingle style house on Long Island. Designed by David Kleinberg, this home was completely revamped to reflect the client’s art collection. I love the neutral palette of this home and how it really complements the great art. Every part of the interior is done with a refinement you can see if each detail. The execution of the design is very tailored and of high caliber.

New England Home: In a Perfect World

I am so pleased to share with you the current issue of New England Home, which features a recent project of mine.

I am so pleased to share with you the current issue of New England Home, which features a recent project of mine on the cover and in a great editorial. I worked with Julio DiBiase of Dibico Construction and, as always, he was able to seamlessly execute my vision throughout this 1920’s era Greenwich home. Taking this home from its original condition to the gem it is today meant overhauling every room down to the studs before designing the ideal space for this young family. New England Home truly showcases the home well with this editorial, capturing the sophisticated but livable environment we created.

Spring Gardens

After a very long winter, it was a pleasant surprise to see the beautiful array of spring flowers blooming in my garden.

After a very long winter, it was a pleasant surprise to see the beautiful array of spring flowers blooming in my garden. I had quite a display of daffodils and tulips gracing my gardens this year. In the fall I had planted quite a few varieties, including Tulip Angelique, a beautiful scented tulip that closely resembles a peony with long lasting blooms, Mount Hood, a white trumpet daffodil, and White Lion, a gardenia-like daffodil. All were a sight to see!

Right now the Alliums are putting on a show of their own. Alliums are plants of exquisite beauty. A member of the onion family, they are so graceful with their large mop heads, exotic and unique with their shape and form. They are most interesting, easy to grow, and come in a broad palette of colors, heights, bloom times, and flower forms.

I enjoy seeing a variety of Alliums in my garden.

Globemaster and Gladiator are the tallest and most architectural Alliums, with huge deep purple, globe shaped flower heads on 3 to 4 foot stems. The white flowering Mount Everest is a bit shorter. Purple Sensation is one of the most popular varieties. Drumstick Allium blooms in early July and the two toned burgundy-green heads are fantastic.

Ornamental alliums are hardy and love the sunlight; there is only one time of the year to plant them, which is in the fall. I started planting them quite a few years ago and have been adding to them ever since. They are a favorite in my garden and maybe they will also be a favorite of yours!