Apr 2023

Oatmeal Lace Cookies

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The Astronomer and I celebrated our thirteenth wedding anniversary last weekend. In line with tradition, I prepared something delicious inspired by antiquated anniversary gifts. Thus far in our marriage, The Astronomer has been gifted edible interpretations of PaperCottonLeatherFruitWoodSugar, WoolBronzeTinSteel, and Silk.

Since it is customary to bestow lace upon one’s beloved in recognition of the thirteenth anniversary, I baked oatmeal lace cookies using this recipe from Simply Recipes. While I have made plenty of cookies over the years, I’d never attempted one that was so delicate, nearly flourless, and almost candy-like. It took three attempts to nail the cookie’s characteristic caramelized edges and lace-like interior, but truth be told, the two batches that were removed a touch too early from the oven still tasted delicious, albeit less crunchy.

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Mar 2023

Antico Nuovo – Los Angeles

Antico Nuevo - Los Angeles

One of my favorite meals in recent memory was at chef Chad Colby’s Antico Nuovo. Now in its third iteration (the original Antico opened in 2019 and pivoted into a focaccia pizza takeout operation during the peak pandemic), the restaurant is firing on all cylinders and as vital as ever.

Antico Nuevo - Los Angeles

The best seat in the house is at the bar which offers full views of the open kitchen. Even with all the action surrounding us, from roasting squabs to plating pastas and glowing embers, it was easy to tune out the noise and focus on the conversation or dishes when needed.

Antico Nuevo - Los Angeles

Diana and I sipped a big, bold Barolo while making some very tough decisions about what to order — the entire menu sounded delectable.

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Mar 2023

44 Hours in the Santa Ynez Valley: Lovely Lodging, Stellar Seafood, and a Whole Lot of Meat

The Inn at Mattei's Tavern - Auberge Resorts Collection

Back in February, The Astronomer, June, and I spent a weekend in the glorious Santa Ynez Valley. The region’s hillsides are incredibly lush at this time of year and beckoned me back even though I was just in the area last fall. A Friday through Sunday trip is never enough, but it scratches the itch well enough.

The Inn at Mattei's Tavern - Auberge Resorts Collection

We stayed at the Inn at Mattei’s Tavern in Los Olivos for the weekend. The historic site, which served as a stagecoach stop in the late 1800s and a Prohibition-era hang in the early 1900s, is newly renovated and reimagined by Auberge Resorts Collection. We were lucky enough to be one of the first guests.

The Inn at Mattei's Tavern - Auberge Resorts Collection

The two-bedroom “Oak” cottage had a magical way about it. Even though it was practically new, the space managed to feel comfortable and lived in. It must be the well-preserved bones of the place.

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