An evening at Thomas Keller's Bouchon is always memorable but when you get to visit his kitchen it makes the entire evening a treat. Here we are with cousin Chad Mountain and his friend Whitney Webster. My wife Barbara and Whitney tour the grilled food line. We were also shown the TV screen which monitors all three Bouchons in New York, Vegas and Northern California. The rosemary ice cream and chocolate bouchons were outstanding. Whitney agrees!
Really enjoyed this movie. It is filled with inspiration and aspiration.
Had a delightful lunch at the Getty Museum here in LA. The Mixed Berry in Puff Pastry, and a selection of Chef's Sweets were excellent. The Chicken Pot Pie was one of the best I have tasted along with the Flank Steak with Roasted Baby Vegetables on Garlic Mashed Potatoes. A very refreshing salad of Strawberries, Candied Walnuts, Field Greens and Blue Cheese was a very nice addition. We had a very enjoyable experience.
In the most beautiful section of the south of France is this gem of a hotel: The Grand Hotel Du Cap-Ferrat. The hotel is located among spectacular houses on a peninsula that juts out into the Mediterranean Sea. St. Jean Cap-Ferrat is one of my favorite places on earth.
Chicago business man Fred Krebhiel has restored an Irish Country Manor house. Located 90 minutes from Dublin this spectacular restoration cost a reported 30 million dollars and is now a charming country Hotel called Ballyfin. A new design book documents the restoration with spectacular photographs. What a treasure this house is and a wonderful showcase for Irish interior design. Thanks to Mr. Krebhiel.
I find Ivy Geraniums extremely rewarding. They come in many varieties have great color and need very little care except for some periodic plant food. I especially like the way they cascade in pots or urns. They are hardy and in California; they have an extended flowering life from season to season.
Enjoyed my visit to the Napa Grill for lunch. It is a casual, comfortable spot with a delightful lunch menu. I am sure dinner is just as good. We had the turkey club and pulled pork sandwich with a cognac sauce. Great! The herb garden is used for food preparation and yes, comfortable chairs that invite guests to linger and enjoy the meal. Daily food and wine specials are posted.
The exhibit of clothes by Spain's design genius, Cristobal Balenciaga has opened. This man's attention to detail and superb style can be examined in person at the de Young Museum in San Francisco. For more information about the opening night party check out the blog:www.thestylesaloniste.com 
Spring is in full force and when I saw that daffodils were only $1.99 a bunch, I could not resist to cover the house with small containers. These containers have a simple earth glaze and it sets off the blossoms much like the earth in the garden. I believe that with flowers more is less. It does not take a great arrangement to make a colorful statement.
