Julie & Julia

Is it surprising that I can't wait for this film to be released (a month from today on August 7)? It follows the true story of a woman with a goal to redo the work of Julia Child and document it through a blog, The Julie/Julia Project. Watch the trailer, below. And here's the blog that started it all.

Europeans in their Homes

I love this on-going series by Dutch photographer, Bert Teunissen called Domestic Landscape. For over a decade, he has traveled across Europe to photograph the locals in their homes--from the Netherlands to Paris, Belgium, and even Japan. (I'd especially love to see inside their pantries.)
You can view the entire archive right here.

(via 20x200)

Nice Break?

Hope you all enjoyed the holiday weekend! I spent it with some friends from out of town. And on the night of the 4th we camped out with a blanket, cards and Chinese food on a little space on 12th avenue between 40th and 42nd. Perfect view of the city's six barges. Where were you?

Also, check out this great new photograph from 20x200. It was taken on the lawn of the Truman Presidential Library in the humid summer weather of Independence, Missouri.

Enjoy the Holiday!

Here are some red, white, and blue recipes, courtesy of Gourmet. Any interesting plans for the 4th?

P.S. Don't forget to enter for my first giveaway: a set of 2 vases. A winner will be selected this Sunday morning. Update: Congratulations, Emily!

Good Bread.

Arguably, not everyone is into coffee. But, one thing you can't skimp on is good bread. It flakes, cracks and gets all over the place. And while it goes hard the very next day, all you have to do is give it some heat--throw it into the oven for 5 minutes or slice it up in a little hot oil for crostini.

Lately, I've had the goal to learn how to make good bread myself. Amy of Eggs on Sunday is working with the Bread Baker's Apprentice Challenge, making all homemade bread. So far, she's covered brioche, challah and ciabatta--and cinnamon rolls are next!

(images via Eggs on Sunday)

Kate Opens Shop

Kate of For Me, For You just opened a new etsy shop with these gorgeous necklaces. She says her inspiration was childhood friendship bracelets with a grown-up twist. The shop opened just yesterday and the pieces have already sold out, so let her know if you have your heart set on one.

Good Coffee?

There's a stipulation that New York City is behind on coffee. We certainly drink a lot of it, but the majority is not great. Starbucks? Burnt. Deli? Watery. There's a great article in Edible Manhattan, however, about the "third-wave" of coffee shops, like Ithaca's Gimme! Coffee, that are bringing better brews to the island.

P.S. A Latte Art Throwdown.

(images via gimmecoffee.com; news via Edible Finger Lakes)

The Cookbook Club

Part of my internship at Gourmet is working with the Cookbook Club. Every month, a cookbook is selected and featured in the magazine with recipes to preview online. It's selected from hundreds that actually get tested at home by the staff of writers, editors and test kitchen chefs. This month's is A Table in the Tarn.

P.S. You can enter online for a chance to win the upcoming book before it's announced to the public. And a winner is selected everyday!

Word of Mouth

I love these girls! Tina and Katie are the owners of Word of Mouth Catering in the Finger Lakes. Tucked in a little house in Trumansburg, NY, they source local ingredients from nearby farms and vineyards for events and weddings year-round.

At our Edible Finger Lakes contributers dinner, I remember having panko for the first time--a Japanese-style breadcrumb, which coated an oval of chèvre on a plate of fresh mixed greens. So good! Check them out on the latest Eating Ithaca podcast.

Monday Giveaway!

Today, Zest & Thyme is having its first-ever giveaway! This set of Fangio vases (original price: $119) are hand cast and measure 15" and 19" in height. Would be perfect as a stand-alone piece or with flowers. Could keep both for yourself or give one away. Just leave a comment below to enter to win!

This giveaway comes from Bedroomfurniture.com, which also has a great selection of platform beds, accent furniture and mattresses. A winner will be notified via email by the end of the week. Good luck!

Update: Congratulations, Emily!

Taking Woodstock

Forty years later, director Ang Lee tells the story of how the most memorable concert in history happened. Taking Woodstock hits theaters this August. Another understated gem from Focus Features.

Gourmet Gets Spiritual

Gourmet writer, Robert Pincus just penned a piece for the web about travel that is simple and reinvigorating. Favorite line: "It was light enough to read outside until 11, and in the first warm weather in weeks this seemed like the best possible way to spend an hour."

Reminds me of camping out on a sliver of land in the middle of Saranac Lake, dirty and worn from two days of canoeing, with another day still ahead. I never felt so clear. Have you had any similar moments?