- 1 ounce elderflower liqueur (St. Germain)
- 2 ounces vodka (or citrus vodka, Hendricks Gin)
- 3/4 ounce lemon juice (fresh)
- 1/4 ounce simple syrup
- 1 strawberry
- 3 ounces sparkling wine (Brut Rosé)
- Garnish: strawberry
Have you ever met Tony, Greenwich’s Favorite Host? For the past 18 years, Tony presided over the tables at Gabriels in Greenwich. I heard a few months ago that Tony moved and was opening up his own place, at the end of 2018, in the J House, just down the Post Road. My husband and I were so excited….especially my husband…a very selective eater, he LOVES Tony and never had a bad meal that he suggested!!! Last night I finally went with a few local bloggers to try out some of Tony’s favorites. First I need to introduce you to Tony…before I get to the food, which was amazing BTW. Tony is one of a kind. He walks around to talk every single table all night long. He asks each table very interesting trivia questions throughout the meal. (Can you name all six weapons in the game Clue??!!!???) Tony will get your coat, he will get your car! Tony has played his trivia with Howard Stern and Robert De Niro. He will tell you about his son who goes to Fairfield University. Tony will compliment your outfit. Tony will sit down with you at the end of the night and have a beer. He is a movie buff who loves Marlon Brando. Most of all Tony is a Gentleman. He is old school, he is kind and he knows his stuff!!! Now onto the food…It really was great, really perfect…I heard that the the giant meatball was a must have to start and to share. OMG it was soooo good…Readers were literally texting me about the meatball, when they saw on social media that I was there!!!! We had a endive salad, and truffle pasta with lobster…Incredible…The salmon and steaks were delicious too. I really don’t think there was one thing on the menu that was not a hit. Here are some highlights from our 5 hour (!!!!!!) diner last night (we were having so much fun we never wanted to leave). You have to try Tony’s…..oh and when you go, tell him Nicole, your favorite blogger sent you!!!!!!!! Bon Weekend!!!
The fabulously chic recently renovated dining room.
The Rack of Lamb
The Meatball!!!
Porterhouse Steak
All of the drinks were fab!!!
Here is the Lobster, Truffle Tagliatelli
The Fried Calamari…with just enough “kick”
The Oysters at the Bar!!!
The desserts were delicious…
The Wine Cellar..I need to check this out next time!!!!
And lastly, our host Tony!!!!
I have had this recipe since I attended Boston College. This New England Fish Chowder became known as “jesuit comfort food”. It was served in the Jesuit residences in St. Mary’s Hall weekly and in various dining halls among campus. I have made it many times over the years. I misplaced the recipe when I moved but I recently found it and thought it would be the perfect thing to share with you on this February Thursday!! Bon Appetit!!!
1lb cod or haddock (cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces)
6 tbsp butter
1/2cup flour
2 small bottles of clam juice
2 cups diced potatoes
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup chopped celery
3 bay leaves
1 tsp thyme
1 quart 1/2 & 1/2
salt and black pepper to taste
Make a roux by melting butter in a small saucepan and adding the flour
Cook over low hear, stirring continuously until flour and butter are thoroughly mixed and bubbling a bit (about 5 min)
Pour roux in a Dutch Oven or other heavy pan with a cover, add clam juice and bring to a boil stirring until thickened.
Reduce heat and add potatoes, cover and cook for 10 minutes.
Add onions and celery and cook unitl onion is soft, about 10 minutes.
Add fish, thyme, and bay leaves and simmer for 10 minutes (potatoes should be tender).
Add 1/2 and 1/2.
Continue simmering for 10 more minutes.
Put a pat of butter into each bowl, ladle chowder over and garnish with parsley.
Clams may be substituted for fish. If the clams are already cooked, put them in for the last 5 minutes only, otherwise they will get tough!!!
I wanted to highlight some of the recent projects from our sponsor Patdo Light Studio as featured on Instagram. I love the all of the high style rooms below. The lighting design is absolutely perfect. Please visit Patdo to see some of the news lighting options for your home. Mention that you are an NS Lifestyle reader for special prices.
I know I have posted about Denim Jackets before but this season an updated denim jacket is a MUST. Some of my favorites are from @beYounique and Jennifer Miller. I did go on my Fashmates page and find some other options for you. I plan on wearing mine with t-shirt dresses and jeweled flats all spring long! Happy Shopping!!!
CLICK TO SHOP
I decided to take on New Leaf Financial Advisory as a sponsor, because there were so many money questions that my readers would ask me. I sent these onto Hilary and Patti of New Leaf and we have been ticking them off our list each month. One of the most common questions I receive, is…”How can I invest if I only have a little bit of money to do so?”. I sent this inquiry onto my two money honeys and following is what they sent me back. I have to say it is a really wonderful start. I am so happy to share it with you. Remember, New Leaf Financial is offering a special to NS Lifestyle readers, a New Year Financial consult session for only $150. Please contact New Leaf Financial Advisory to book your consultation today!!!
image dividenddiplomats.com
3 Easy Ways to Start Investing with Little Money
1) Invest in workplace plans like 401Ks.
These investments can be made directly from your paycheck. Importantly, if your company has a matching program for its employees, you will want to try to at least contribute up to that level since this is “free” money. For instance, if your company matches the first 3% of your contributions to your 401K, you should aim for contributing at least that much so you can get the match.
2) Considering investing with a “robo-advisor”.
Robo advisors can be an ideal place for the new investor to start out. By answering questions online, the robo will create a rather simple asset allocation strategy for the investor and get them invested rather quickly. The services are generally a low cost and straightforward way to begin investing. However, robo-advisors don’t offer much in the way of financial planning or support, so as your life and needs evolve you may need to consider finding more specialized planning that addresses your unique needs.
3) Auto deposits to a discount broker (e.g Schwab)
Use these deposits to set up auto purchases of low-cost index mutual funds. Brokers like Schwab & TD Ameritrade offer a list of funds that can be purchased without any transaction fees or minimum purchase amounts. You can start with as little as $50 – $100 per month and buy one or two funds which spread your investments across the broad US stock market or global stock markets.
My mom and sister came to visit this Valentine’s Day. We were able to celebrate together with my girls. My husband is in London, but his treats await his return and sadly my son is at school (hopefully eating all of the boxes of Girl Scout cookies that I sent to him this week!!). So it was just us girls. I really wanted to make a fun cocktail to celebrate this special day together…They LOVED it…I am so excited to share it with you!!!! Happy Heart Day Everyone….
image Theferventshaker
Happy Heart Cocktail Recipe
(recipe from St Germain)
Muddle the strawberry, simple syrup, and lemon juice in a cocktail shaker.Add ice, vodka or gin, and shake well.Strain over fresh ice in a collins glass.Top with Brut Rosé or Brut Champagne.Garnish with a strawberry.