Jaunts

Philanthropic Friday – EXCITING NEWS at The Maya Macey Foundation!

The Maya Macey Foundation www.mayamaceyfoundation.org

The Maya Macey Foundation www.mayamaceyfoundation.org

You may recall that The Maya Macey Foundation was highlighted for Philanthropic Friday on The Candi Dish last month!  Well, NOW is the perfect time to re-familiarize yourself with this dynamic organization because there is excitement to report!

Everyone knows the importance of empowering children to flourish because  young people ARE our future. The Maya Macey Foundation makes it VERY easy for generous donors to help make education a reality for students that need help.

Here is the exciting part!  Currently, the Foundation is tirelessly working on organizing the Annual BBQ FUNdraiser, which will be held on March 9, 2014 in Palmetto Bay, FL.  The BBQ is not only a fantastic event, but the funds from selling raffle tickets and auction items allow the Foundation to help dynamic young people.

Right now, the Foundation is looking for donations of products and services for its celebrated raffle and live auction! Current donated items are Florida Panthers tickets (including a meet & greet with players); a 5-night stay at a 2-bedroom condo on Playa del Carmen in Mexico and a stay at Waldorf Astoria in Naples!  Great stuff!

So, Candi Dish fans: if you know a business that is interested in donating products or services for this amazing cause, please let me know!  No donation is too small.

 

The Maya Macey Foundation provides educational scholarships to deserving young students who have overcome adversity in their personal lives and need assistance pursuing their dreams in spite of the obstacles they have faced. It  is a federally recognized 501©(3) non-profit.

www.mayamaceyfoundation.org

 

 

Winter Wonderland Wednesday – Winter Storm Janus Photos

American Snowstorm on Fifth Avenue

American Snowstorm on Fifth Avenue

I may have been born and raised in Florida, but even as a kid, I was a Northerner at heart. Perhaps the fact that 1 of 2 parents and 4 of 4 Grandparents grew up in the North had something to do with it.  Don’t get me wrong, many people who I love and like are in the South (plus I love grits) so I am “down there” often, but Manhattan is my home.

The snowy dome of St. Bart’s Church

The snowy dome of St. Bart’s Church

The Windshield Wipers UP Trick (this is not my car)

The Windshield Wipers UP Trick (this is not my car)

It is freezing in Burger Heaven!

It is freezing in Burger Heaven!

Because my childhood winters were very mild (I remember swimming at the end of December), it was quite a thrill to experience cold weather when I was on trips. Fast forward to my first winter in NY. It was glacial!  Once I figured out that it was all about layers, keeping my ears covered and my hands and feet warm, I was golden.

I love experiencing 4 true seasons (particularly fall and spring) and would not trade it for year-round warmth and certainly would not trade in the NY lifestyle.

“Bigfoot was here”  Park Avenue

“Bigfoot was here”
Park Avenue

On Tuesday, the early part of the storm’s blanket of snow made Manhattan look delightful. I was out and about:  first by taxi, then by bus when I could not get a taxi and then by foot the rest of the day, which served me well until the sun went down and it became blistery.  I even dared to remove my gloves to capture a bunch of snapshots of sights that caught my attention.  I posted several of these on Twitter and Facebook and received a flatteringly huge response.  I hope that you enjoy my “Janus photos”.

Snowy fountain on East 55th Street

Snowy fountain on East 55th Street

Travel Tips Tuesday – Firenze (Part 1)

Battistero di San Giovanni (Florence Baptistery) & Giotto’s Campanille (Bell Tower)

Battistero di San Giovanni (Florence Baptistery) & Giotto’s Campanille (Bell Tower)

The summer between my junior and senior years of college, I attended the FSU Study Abroad Program in Florence, Italy and it was fantastico! I hit the jackpot with the excellent professors and of course, my fellow students who are still my friends over two decades later.

Santa Maria del Fiore (The Duomo)

Santa Maria del Fiore (The Duomo)

 

I remember the elation that I felt when I received my acceptance letter from the International Programs office, the anticipation that kept me from sleeping on the overnight flight to Rome and when we touched ground in Firenze, I had that distinctive “this is it” feeling.

The Annunciation

The Annunciation

Being surrounded by a language that is not mine; surrounded by the aroma of garlic sautéed in olive oil wafting from the trattorias and being surrounded by astounding architecture, statues, art and adornments at every turn took my breath away and still does whenever I am in my second favorite city. The adventure that I took over twenty years ago opened my eyes, mind and senses to Italy and Italian culture. I try to visit a new city or region each time I am there but I make sure to always include a return to Firenze.

When visiting Firenze, there are the must-sees: Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (also known as the Duomo), which should be admired from a 360-degree perspective on the outside and inside, from the ground to the top of the dome ( 463 steps up) to take in views of the city. Take another climb to the viewing platform at the top of the Campanile (Bell Tower) and visit the Baptistery.  Your “to do” list should include Michelangelo’s David in the Galleria dell’Accademia , Galleria deli Uffizi, San Lorenzo, San Marco, Palazzo Vecchio, and every.single. Piazza.  Depending on how long you visit (or revisit), I highly suggest exploring the Oltrarno area on the south side of the Arno River by taking any of these three bridges: Ponte Santa Trinita, the famous Ponte Vecchio, and Ponte Alle Grazie. Highlights are the Piazalle Michelangelo, San Miniato al Monte, Pitti Palace, Boboli Gardens and an abundance of charm.

The “Olive Tree of Peace” memorializing the victims of the 27th of May 1993  attack near the Uffizi

The “Olive Tree of Peace” memorializing the victims of the 27th of May 1993 attack near the Uffizi

Whichever side of the River, I am a big enthusiast of strolling! Veer off the main streets to explore. While it is very difficult to get completely lost in Florence, one should try to get a little bit lost, as you never know what you may discover!

Ponte Santa Trinita over the Arno

Ponte Santa Trinita over the Arno

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NEXT: Stay tuned for The Candi Dish Firenze Faves!

a presto! ciao!

 

 

Dishing 2014 Wishes!

Happy 2014!

Happy 2014!

A precious friend recently reminded me of the beauty of receiving greetings in the mail, particularly holiday greetings.  I completely agree.  There is something special about finding an envelope in your mailbox accompanied by the brief anticipation of wondering what is inside!

In the world of texting, email and e-cards, it is easy to forget the warm feeling you get when you receive a personal note.  This year, my mailbox was aglow with Christmas, Chanukah and New Year’s cards: pre-printed, handwritten, photos, collages – all of it fantastic!   I display all of the cards that I receive in my entryway. So many well wishes and cute faces to see each time I walk past.  When I take the cards down (which happens later and later each year), it is impossible to not feel treasured.

When I think about the first day of 2013, it would be an understatement to say that my life is completely different on this first day of 2014.  My 2013 can be summed up as the year of learning and doing.  Last year was filled with innovation, unblocking, creativity, mourning, collaboration, reconnecting, missteps, progress and clarity.  I witnessed the best of the human spirit by those I know and by strangers. This will continue to inspire.  There was also disappointment from the weakness of character that I witnessed.  This will continue to inspire as well.

Launching The Candi Dish and receiving positive support and compliments for my blog posts has been incredibly gratifying.  I am not a big fan of New Year’s Resolutions but I do have huge plans for 2014!  Writing and creating and seizing the day, oh my!

Thanks for digging into The Candi Dish in 2013!  I hope to serve up some good stuff in 2014!

 

Dishing on Music City

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Nashville, Tennessee seems to be popping up all over the place in The Candi Dish world: several friends visiting the city, it played a part in the Treme finale, there are billboards around Manhattan advertising a new reality show based there…and as such, I am fondly remembering my visit this past June.

Right before my trip, I was able to get my hands on a copy of the “Nashville Field Guide” from the author himself, Taylor Bruce.  Another huge perk of living in Manhattan is that one can easily access talent, in this case, literary talent. The Wildsam Field Guide is a charming and unique “part almanac, part urban lore, part best-of, part memoir” that I highly suggest for visitors and locals.  The guide is beautifully written and entertains the reader with interviews, stories, essays, lists and illustrations.   www.wildsam.com

Broadway

Broadway

Broadway
Big Boot on Broadway

 

Tennessee State Capitol

Tennessee State Capitol

Although I visited Music City very briefly in high school, I was technically a newcomer this time around.

Nashville is quickly becoming a destination for southern food lovers and of course for its famous and “funky” music scene where live music can be seen and heard day & night… 365 days a year!

Nashville is fun!

Nashville is fun!

 

Gold Records at The Country Music Hall of Fame

Gold Records at The Country Music Hall of Fame

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Please note that most of The Candi Dish jaunts are not focused on country music and southern cooking so even if you are not “into” either, Nashville has a lot to offer and will not disappoint!

Here are The Candi Dish suggestions for a Nashville visit:

Breakfast/Lunch:
Arnold’s, Puckett’s Grocery, Loveless Café and Union 417

Dinner:
Lockeland Table Community Kitchen and Bar, Capitol Grill (not the chain), Jimmy Kelly’s Steakhouse and Etch

Sightseeing:
Country Music Hall of Fame, The Capitol Building, The Frist, cruising on Broadway including a visit to Hatch Show Print.

Music:
Hit the Honky-Tonks on Broadway; Station Inn, Ryman Auditorium

Country Music Hall of Fame

Country Music Hall of Fame – Doesn’t everyone love the Rhinestone Cowboy?

Country Music Hall of Fame

Country Music Walk of Fame – Dolly is the BEST!

 

New Orleans – Part Deux “212 in 504″

“Old Spanish Stables” on Governor Nicholls Street in the French Quarter

“Old Spanish Stables” on Governor Nicholls Street in the French Quarter

Have you heard about the “never lefts”?  The people who visit New Orleans for a festival, convention or a weekend getaway and fall under her spell and stay.  Well, I have never lived in The Big Easy, but I am a spiritual “never left” and fall more in love each visit.

New Orleans is a “big city” that maintains a small town pace, which is fantastic for visitors because it means that you will not be rushed as you saunter and observe.

I have always said that New Orleans is the least American city in America in the most wonderful way because of its robust cross-cultural and multilingual heritage. To discover the magic of NOLA, one should always be looking up, down and from across the street.  There are hidden gems everywhere and you will notice something new even if you have passed the same block multiple times.

Surrounded by the Mississippi River and Lake Pontchartrain, the Crescent City has about 70 neighborhoods. If you are a visitor with a limited amount of time, I highly suggest getting a map of the French Quarter and begin there with a walking tour (professionally guided or self-guided) to get to know the rich history, landmarks and architecture of New Orleans’ oldest neighborhood. The open container law allows you to imbibe as you sightsee (by foot, of course).

The “Go NOLA” free app caters to visitors and provides free celebrity-guided walking tours.  If you Tweet, then it is worth following NOLA handles on Twitter for news/updates while you are there: Visit New Orleans @VisitNewOrleans and New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau @NewOrleans.

I always stay at a hotel in the Vieux Carré and spend most of my time there because to me, the French Quarter is a little slice of heaven where you can do just about anything you want.

Creole Townhouse in the French Quarter

Creole Townhouse in the French Quarter

The Candi Dish Vieux Carré Favorites

Casual breakfast:  Vacherie on the corner of Toulouse and Dauphine (in the St. Marie Hotel).  Weather permitting; try to dine in the courtyard. The fried green tomato breakfast is excellent.

Casual Lunch:  Café Maspero on Decatur & Toulouse.  The rarity of finding a vegetarian muffaletta on the menu attracted me but this joint has something for everyone, is well-priced and good.

Casual Dinner:  The Gumbo Shop on St. Peter between Chartres and Royal captures creole cuisine very well. Jambalaya, red beans and rice, gumbos galore, strong drinks and the staff is a trip!

Upscale Dinner:  Galatoire’s is a MUST.  On Bourbon & Iberville, it is a New Orleans institution, delicious and fun. The service is terrific but if you can get Peter (“Boston Strong”) as your server, then you are golden!

The Candi Dish favorite restaurant is GALATOIRE’S

The Candi Dish favorite restaurant is GALATOIRE’S

Musts for Cocktails + Ambiance:  * Revolving bar/Merry-Go-Round at the Carousel Bar & Lounge in the Hotel Monteleone, which is an official literary landmark (Hemingway, Faulkner, Williams, Capote), on Royal * Pat O’Brien’s is famous for a reason.  Originally a speakeasy, Pat O’Brien turned a small bar into a huge business. In the 1940s when all liquor except for rum was hard to come by, an experimental concoction called The Hurricane (served in a glass the shape of a hurricane lamp) was born! With its celebrated and fabulous courtyard, dueling pianos and fun specialty cocktails, it is easy to spend hours at Pat O’Brien’s * The Old Absinthe House on the corner of Bourbon and Bienville is over 200 years old, haunted and THE place to try an absinthe (Herbsaint) cocktail.

Fantastic fire pit in Pat O’Brien’s courtyard

Fantastic fire pit in Pat O’Brien’s courtyard

Dessert/Snack:  Café du Monde (open 24 hours a day) in the French Market for beignets and café au lait.  IT IS A MUST.

Pralines and candy:  Southern Candymakers (various locations).  Known for praline, try the salted caramel tortue.

Upscale Jazz:  Hearing (and seeing) Jeremy Davenport at the Davenport Lounge at the Ritz (Canal at Dauphine) on Thursday – Saturday evenings is bliss.  Mr. Davenport is as smooth and charming as his voice and trumpeting.

Bar-Hopping: Bourbon Street, of course.  It is gritty and fun! I love it. I love that I can dance to a cover band at The Famous Door and if I do not like the next song, can skip over to The Beach or Funky 544  (with the same drink in hand).  Bourbon Street is like your very own entertainment menu and you are a human remote control.  Enjoy it – there is nothing like it.

Other Highlights in the Quarter:  * After roaming the French Market, take a snack and drink towards Governor Nichols Street Wharf and have a seat overlooking the Mississippi River (you can hop on the Riverfront streetcar here as well) * Visit St. Louis Cathedral, the oldest practicing Roman Catholic Church in the US (built in 1727 and rebuilt after being destroyed by a fire in the 1850s). At night, go to St. Anthony Garden in the rear of the Cathedral to see the awe-inspiring shadow of a statue of Jesus projected by floodlights (between St. Ann and St. Peter on Royal) * Café Amelie, while established in 2005 has a 150-year old historic courtyard and carriage house.  I did not eat there but enjoyed a drink by the fountain while I mingled with locals and visitors. * For souvenirs and kitsch, I prefer shopping in the French Market & Decatur Street to Bourbon Street.  Antiques are everywhere, particularly on Royal Street.  Peruse the street art around the perimeter of Jackson Square.  * I like to walk “up”, “down” “towards the river” and “towards the lake” with a drink in hand checking out the shops, street tiles, architecture, people, and hand-painted soft clay molded tiles stating the name of the street when New Orleans was the Capital of the Spanish Province of Luisiana between 1762-1803.

Spanish tile of Calle del Hospital on what is now Governor Nicholls in the Quarter

Spanish tile of Calle del Hospital on what is now Governor Nicholls in the Quarter

Brief Candi Dish Tips on the Garden District

The second neighborhood to explore is the residential Garden District, which is overflowing with Southern charm.  Viewing the beautiful Greek Revival, Italianate and Victorian style homes, gardens and LaFayette Cemetery No. 1 are musts.  Again, consider a guided walking tour to have a New Orleans expert show you the details that you would most likely miss on your own.

Dining in the Garden District:  Commander’s Palace on Washington is a Brennan classic.  Between the bright turquoise and white Victorian exterior, glass-encased Live Oak tree trunk in the middle of the floor, 25-cent martinis at lunchtime and its award-winning cuisine – you cannot go wrong!

Magazine Street is a delightful commercial area filled with places to eat, drink and shop. To explore the boutiques, antique malls and allure of Magazine, I suggest starting around 8th Street and working your way toward Felicity.  Right before you reach Felicity, cut across to St. Charles to catch the streetcar or walk back to the Quarter.  At Lee’s Circle, veer right and enjoy the architecture on Camp.

“Before I Die ____” Chalkboard in a parking lot off of Camp

“Before I Die ____” Chalkboard in a parking lot off of Camp

Jazz & A Streetcar Named Desire

For casual jazz in the evening, venture to Frenchman Street in the Faubourg Marigny neighborhood:  The Spotted Cat, dba, Snug Harbor…just follow your ears.

Traveling on the St. Charles Streetcar (which connects uptown and downtown) is a great way to view part of the Warehouse District, Garden District, Audubon Park and the beautiful homes along St. Charles.  A popular route is to catch the Streetcar at the intersection of Canal Street & St Charles in the Quarter and hop off at Washington Avenue towards Prytania Street and Lafayette Cemetery No. 1.  The streetcar fare is $1.25 or you can purchase the aptly named “Jazzy Pass” for unlimited use of streetcars and buses. In addition to the St. Charles Line there are 3 others: Canal Street, Riverfront and Loyola lines.

Every street has a story, every courtyard, every balcony, every building and of course, every person has a story.  Soak it up, enjoy every minute and geaux to New Orleans soon! Laissez les bon temps roulez!

Frozen beverage & the mighty Mississippi River

Frozen beverage & the mighty Mississippi River

 

Please note that I was not compensated for this post.  My hope is to simply spread The Crescent City amour!

Wine Wednesday in Tampa Bay!

Gattinara at SideBern's

Gattinara at SideBern’s

I enjoy checking out the “local” wine scene in cities that I visit and being a St. Petersburg, FL native, I am delighted that I have two hometown “wine stories” to dish about.

SideBern’s on West Morrison in Tampa (which is technically not my hometown but it is close geographically) has an exceptional wine list.  I am a huge Bern’s Steak House fan but could not get a last minute reservation so decided to try its sister restaurant which serves Modern American Cuisine. The two restaurants are completely different so there is no need to compare them but I am very glad that I dined at SideBern’s.  We took the Italian wine route and ordered a Gattinara (Travaglini 2006) that was tremendous and was quite a good deal for a Nebbiolo.  I had it decanted and it went wonderfully well with everyone’s various dishes at the table:  steak, cheese plate, vegetables, gnudi.  The only “bummer” was that SideBern’s had run out of my beloved Piedmontese white truffles before we got there (shucks on the truffle timing)!

Wine lovers should visit this restaurant. www.sideberns.com/

I know that I am over a decade behind everyone else who has hopped on the Rollin’ Oats bandwagon but better late than never.  What a gem! I have only visited the St. Pete location (28th Street & MLK Drive) but am guessing that the Tampa location is just as great.  I was thrilled to be in a healthful market that also has an excellent range of domestic and international wines.  The wine staff is knowledgeable and approachable so I suggest engaging someone to assist you with exploring the variety of grapes. The fact that I could find a well-priced Rhone Valley blend, an Irish cheddar, organic cashews AND my favorite Polish beer (Żywiec) in less than 2 minutes was a major bonus!  The Żywiec perfectly complemented the yummy veggie chili nachos that I had for lunch at the market’s “Oats Café”.

I am looking forward to enjoying the new Rollin’ Oats rooftop space and expansion in 2014!  Rooftop in St. Pete = awesome!      www.rollinoats.com

 

Please note that I was not compensated by SideBern’s or Rollin’ Oats for this post.  My hope is to simply spread the delicious love!

It is very Easy to enjoy The Big Easy

I fell in love with New Orleans during my first visit in 1984 for the World’s Fair. My next visit, which was 5 years later, showed me that New Orleans does not need to be hosting a special event to be buzzing with amazing energy…the city IS special.

As I write this post from the French Quarter, I had to pare down the content since there is so much to DISH!  Let’s start with my first day which was chock-full of “only in New Orleans” experiences.

The day kicked off with a delicious veggie Mufaletta and an Abita Amber at Café Maspero on Decatur followed by a salted caramel tortue from Southern Candymakers.  A post-lunch walk led me to the Warehouse District, which is an area I do not know well and tends to not be frequented by visitors.  When you are in NOLA, there are two poignant and important things to view at the entrance plaza of Mississippi River Heritage Park on Convention Center Boulevard: a sculpture made from Hurricane Katrina debris entitled “Scrap House” by Sally Heller and a touching memorial plaque. I was very moved.

"Scrap House" by Sally Heller

“Scrap House” by Sally Heller

 

Honoring.

Honoring.

My next destination was Louis Armstrong Park via the French Quarter, which was temporarily put on hold after I stumbled upon a fantastic find for wine lovers: W.I.N.O (Wine Institute of New Orleans) on Tchoupitoulas Street.  It is a tasting bar/shop/wine school that has a hi-tech self-service wine machine that allows you to choose what wines and how much of each you wish to taste. Very cool! Jackpot!

Back on track, I meandered through the streets of the Vieux Carré (keeping in mind that it was Halloween, so the people-watching was prime)!!

Louis Armstrong Park/Congo Square/New Orleans Jazz National Historic Park is made up of 31 acres bound by St. Philip Street, Rampart Street, Basin Street, St. Peter Street, and N. Villere Street in the Tremé. My timing was terrific as I was able to catch the last day of the Jazz in the Park Fall 2013 Season, which is a festival of food, drink and craft vendors but the main attraction for me was the JAZZ!  I had never seen the Rebirth Brass Band and Kermit Ruffins live before and was blown away (brass pun intended)! The scene was colorful, lively and the sounds were delicious.  Being enveloped by the music, being with the people of New Orleans and being in a park that symbolizes survival in a multitude of ways, I was once again very moved and so very happy to be there. http://www.pufap.org

Jazz in Louis Armstrong Park

Jazz in Louis Armstrong Park

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I will summarize the rest of the evening in one sentence:  the French Quarter on Halloween is tremendous!

So, that was Day 1 in NOLA!  Stay tuned for more dishing….

There is nothing common about Boston Common

I luckily just had the opportunity to stroll around Boston Common and The Public Garden (the oldest park in the United States) to admire the fall foliage. The photo of the equestrian bronze statue of George Washington under a crystal blue sky was taken from the Arlington Street entrance to the Garden.  The second photo captures the view looking out onto the lake and Arlington Street Church.

Being welcomed to the Public Garden by George Washington

Being welcomed to the Public Garden by George Washington

 

Boston's Arlington Street Church, Lake & Foliage

Boston’s Arlington Street Church, Lake & Foliage

As we approach the six-month mark since April 15, 2013, I wish continued peace and healing to one of the dearest cities in America.

Welcome to “The Candi Dish”!

Welcome to “The Candi Dish”!

I contemplated writing a blog for a while and was encouraged to do so by a plethora of people. One dear friend (you know who you are) created a domain for me hoping that this would push me into putting my thoughts and words onto “electronic paper” but I did not take the bait. After a lull, the time has arrived and I am ready to dish!

“The Candi Dish” is a platform for me to share stories, snapshots and suggestions about Manhattan, locales to which I have traveled and array of things that I deem to be remarkable.

I have exceptional experiences, meet phenomenal people, observe the out of the ordinary, dine on marvelous meals, imbibe wondrous wines, witness incredible acts of kindness and LOVE sharing and connecting.   That is “The Candi Dish”…enjoy your stay and please dish back as you wish!

One of my all-time favorite actual DISHES is: Tajarin al Tartufo Bianco. I took this photo in Piemonte, Italy during White Truffle Season.

 

Delish Dish at Osteria dell Arco in Alba, Italy (during White Truffle Season in Piemonte)

Delish Dish at Osteria dell Arco in Alba, Italy (during White Truffle Season in Piemonte)

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