Yesterday I was invited to a special lunch organized by 914 Pop’s to experience the incredible chef Anthony Gonclaves Portuguese fare. Kanopi is a serious gourmet’s dream. The intimate restaurant on the 42nd floor of the Opus hotel in White Plains serves a weekly chef’s tasting menu Wednesday thru Saturday.
The space in itself is spectacular. The room boasts 360 views of Westchester and the Hudson Valley. There are only 7 dining tables each with its own amazing cityscape.
With chef-led tasting menus, boutique wine pairings, and an intimate dining experience, Kanopi offers a unique farm-to-table culinary experience unlike any other. Chef Anthony Gonçalves, his wife Andreia Goncalves, and the team capture the essence of Portugal while remaining firmly rooted in the Hudson Valley through seasonal menus comprised of old-world flavors and local farm-fresh ingredients.
Here are some of the tastings we enjoyed yesterday, for more information or to make a reservation, click HERE.
We started the lunch with the most delicious bread with fresh ricotta, roasted garlic and sardines.
The next course was beets with crispy rice.
Himachi Ceviche with Avocado (this was incredible).
Black Truffle Ricotta with Blue Cheese Tortellini and Cacio e Pepe
Branzino With Enoki Mushrooms
The dessert was a Banana Flan with a Frois Gras Macaroon.
Our lunch group with Chef Anthony Gonclaves
Recently, when we were in Florida, we went to the most fun event for the 20th Anniversary of The Daily Front Row and one of the sponsors was Zacapa Rum. They served this fabulously tropical cocktail that was featured on my social media pages and many of you asked for the recipe. I tracked it down from Zacapa and learned it is called The Hummingbird. If you make it, please let me know. It was soo good!! I know you are going to LOVE it as much as we all did!! CHEERS!!!
One of my favorite interior designers is Meg Braff. I fell in love with her years ago when I saw her beautiful bedroom at the Kips Bay Palm Beach Show House. I recently visited her fabulous new showroom in West Palm Beach on Georgia Ave. If you are in the South Florida/Palm Beach area, it is a must-see. The space is filled with furniture, chandeliers, lanterns, Meg Braff fabrics and wallpaper, and other fabulous pieces from mirrors to decorative objects and everything in between. Here is a sneak peek into the gorgeous space. Each room was more incredible than the next. For more information or to visit Meg’s website, click HERE.
When times get tough, do the tough really get going? Or is the old adage outdated and only meant for short sprints, and not three years into a pandemic? We understand that a lot of global citizens are dealing with an alarming rate of mental health challenges. From feeling exhausted from trying to show up and maintain the status quo, to struggling at keeping up with your productivity- these signs are your body asking you to pay attention. When left unattended, you may feel completely depleted of your lifeforce, which can lead to burnout. Instead of waiting for things to change, why not take control of your mental health? Here are five ways to keep your mind healthy in 2022.
- Tune out the noise: When we talk about noise, it means the endless chatter of news reports and breaking stories that never seem to stop. Over-consumption of news and such pessimistic stories can significantly drop your hormonal levels, creating a stressful situation even you’re personally safe. It is good to hold compassion for those affected, but draw a line and limit your exposure to these headlines. When you tune out the chaos, you can truly work on yourself.
- Seek professional help: If you’re struggling to keep your life balanced and can’t hold your inner world together, it’s perfectly fine to seek help. Healthcare professionals are excellent at treating anxiety, jitters, and depression with medications as well as counseling. Since CBD has emerged as a mental health savior, the number of people being aware of lowpricebud and high-quality strains has increased. Make sure that you use your prescription to buy from certified dispensaries.
- Lean on nature: It may seem like a piece of underrated advice, but the power of nature is incredible. Take the time to go out and walk in nature, or spend time at the park. If you have a lake near your vicinity, watch the water flow. These activities with the combination of fresh air will help you ground your energy and stay present in your body.
- Reignite hobbies: What were the activities that brought you innate joy? It’s time to tap into your inner child and rediscover the joy of simpler things in life. Make some time in your schedule to let your creativity flow through art, exercise, or other things that you enjoyed earlier. Pursuing hobbies also helps in improving neuroplasticity.
- Restrict your scrolling: One of the most toxic habits we’ve developed over the years is incessant scrolling on our devices. Thank the internet, the algorithm shows you more of what you’ve been seeing. This means, your lens is highly distorted online. Go offline from time to time and keep a limit on scrolling to stop intrusive thoughts and overconsumption of social media.
Wrapping Up:
At the end of the day, we’re accountable for our mental well-being. By using the tips mentioned above, you can gain control of your surroundings by mastering your mind. We hope that our advice helps in reinstating your life’s balance, enhancing a better state of mind.
I saw this book in a little book store over the weekend and the title stopped me in my tracks, One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle.
When Katy’s mother dies, she is left reeling. Carol wasn’t just Katy’s mom, but her best friend and first phone call. She had all the answers and now, when Katy needs her the most, she is gone. To make matters worse, their planned mother-daughter trip of a lifetime looms: to Positano, the magical town where Carol spent the summer right before she met Katy’s father. Katy has been waiting years for Carol to take her, and now she is faced with embarking on the adventure alone.
But as soon as she steps foot on the Amalfi Coast, Katy begins to feel her mother’s spirit. Buoyed by the stunning waters, beautiful cliffsides, delightful residents, and, of course, delectable food, Katy feels herself coming back to life.
And then Carol appears—in the flesh, healthy, sun-tanned, and thirty years old. Katy doesn’t understand what is happening, or how—all she can focus on is that she has somehow, impossibly, gotten her mother back. Over the course of one Italian summer, Katy gets to know Carol, not as her mother, but as the young woman before her. She is not exactly who Katy imagined she might be, however, and soon Katy must reconcile the mother who knew everything with the young woman who does not yet have a clue. – Amazon
For more information or to order this book, click HERE.
The rustic decor trend has taken over, and everyone wants to bring in the cozy vibes that come with it. But the common misconception is that you need to invest in prized handcrafted elements to get this decor trend right. Moreover, the idea of accentuating your home with the right natural patterns sounds daunting when running on a tight budget. But the truth is that you can get a perfectly rustic look for your home without spending a fortune. Here are some budget hacks to give a rustic makeover to your living room.
Start with a paint project
The rustic transition begins with a paint project. You have to choose a neutral and natural color palette to secure the right vibes for a modern farmhouse style. The good thing is that you have the choice to pick warm or cool hues or even blend the two. Creamy buttermilk, serene grays and blues, and soft sage green are the best color options. Earthy tones also make an ideal choice. Once you decide on the palette, get to work with a DIY paint project!
Prioritize natural fibers
Earthy hues give you the right start, and natural fibers take the farmhouse feel a notch higher. You have plenty of options to use them for, from upholstery to curtains, rugs, and decor elements. Pick textiles such as burlap, wool, cotton, and homespun linen. They do not cost a lot, bring in the right feel, and are eco-friendly as well. There couldn’t be a better way to deck up your hall.
Invest in new decor elements
A makeover requires some investment, and you will probably be prepared for it no matter how tight your budget is. But you can be a smart shopper and buy rustic decor & wall art without pinching your wallet. Luckily, you can find quality products at discounts online. All you need to do is find the right website to go on a shopping spree without worrying about the cost. Look for timeless pieces that complement your living room and add charm to the decor.
Think minimalist
With rustic home decor, less is always more, so you can actually get a makeover without spending a lot. Ensure that your place does not have too many accessories because they can create a cluttered appearance. Take a minimalist approach and buy attractive pieces that enhance the aesthetic value of your living room. Consider the size of the room and leave enough room for light and air as you furnish it.
Bring in some plants
Greens are an indispensable part of rustic decor, so you shouldn’t miss out on indoor plants. The best part is that you need not spend a lot on low-maintenance indoor plants, and they bring more than beauty to your living room. You get positivity and fresh air as a bonus. Get creative with the greens and think beyond placing potted plants in the corners. You can even create a vertical garden in your living room.
A rustic makeover on a budget is easy to achieve, provided you know the rules. Implement these wise ideas, and you can have the coziest-looking living room to flaunt.