I'm thrilled that Michael, our favorite mixologist, is back with a classic cocktail to warm us on these frigid winter days. Read on to master the art of the Manhattan, then relax, grab a book, and light a fire. Five o'clock is calling... As we all come off our holiday hiatus, it is traditional to … Continue reading Cocktail Hour: The Manhattan
Drinks
An Unforgettable Night at NEXT
Last night, I had the extraordinary experience of dining at Next for a best friend's 40th birthday celebration. 19 courses, 3 1/2 hours, rare wine pairings. I am exhausted and bleary-eyed (we were at the 10pm seating, finishing at 1:30am) but I must get the words down while the night is fresh in my mind.Next, … Continue reading An Unforgettable Night at NEXT
Cocktail Hour: The Daiquiri
Our resident mixologist is back with the fascinating history of Hemingway's favorite cocktail - the daiquiri. We mixed up a batch following Michael's recipe and I promise you, this is not the boat drink you think it is. The Daiquiri This cocktail resides in same family as the most classic of cocktails: the Martini, the … Continue reading Cocktail Hour: The Daiquiri
Cocktail Hour: A Simple Crisp White + Smoked Whitefish Spread
Sometimes nothing is better than a crisp white on a warm summer evening. Yesterday marked the summer solstice, and we spent it on our just finished stone terrace with chilled sauv blanc and this smoked whitefish spread. I picked up the smoked whitefish fillets from a fisherman's stand at the farmers' market in Lake Bluff … Continue reading Cocktail Hour: A Simple Crisp White + Smoked Whitefish Spread
Cocktail Hour: Fresh Strawberry Mojito
This cocktail is summer in a glass! It's my version of a mojito - light, refreshing, and just sweet enough, starring mint from the garden and the ripest, juiciest farmers' market strawberries. Dare I say it almost feels healthy? Fresh Strawberry Mojito serves 2 2/3 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered 8-10 mint leaves 2 … Continue reading Cocktail Hour: Fresh Strawberry Mojito
Cocktail Hour: The Martini
I'm thrilled to introduce a new weekend feature just in time for summer, Cocktail Hour. Michael, my almost brother-in-law and the most talented mixologist I've ever known (this is not hyperbole), has graciously agreed to share his knowledge and his recipes during the month of June here at a & d. And in true Michael … Continue reading Cocktail Hour: The Martini
dining al fresco
This spectacular weather has me ready to move it outside. Who's in? click on each image for photo credits and recipes
Girls’ Night Out
Yippee!!! Tonight I am joining seven spectacular women in Chicago to celebrate a friend's milestone birthday. Quintessential denim and heels pairing? Check. The birthday girl's favorite champagne? Check. Fabulous dinner reservations? Check. Dance-all-night plans? Check. Requisite morning-after advil/think thin bar/coconut water/blister band-aid rescue kit in the suitcase? Check. À votre santé! image 1 via fashion-flaunts.tumblr.com, … Continue reading Girls’ Night Out
In Praise of the Five O’Clock Cocktail
Morning brings the ritual of coffee. When bedtime draws near, I often fantasize about having it in the morning, waking up to the amazing taste, smell, and enveloping warmth. I have been known to audibly moan upon taking my first sip. Midday I am walking or running my gorgeous mutt. Okay, most days. When it's … Continue reading In Praise of the Five O’Clock Cocktail
Freemans Love
New York did not disappoint. A full recap of the weekend's adventures will come, but I could not wait to share our favorite night at my favorite spot in the city: Freemans. Rustic, chic, dark, cozy and intimate, Freemans serves the most amazing cocktails alongside perfectly portioned, mostly-American comfort food. Let's start with the drinks … Continue reading Freemans Love
the aesthete and the dilettante 