The Mild Observer

It’s not often we witness both dignity and humility in a person. In my opinion, these qualities tend not to coexist without sacrificing one for the other. I was fortunate enough to experience this yesterday with a remarkable woman whom I had only met once before. It was her 90th birthday celebration and although we spoke for just a moment, I was so impressed with her. The overwhelming love and sincere adoration given her was palpable. She has seen the world change in so many ways and has touched so many lives. The respect she was accredited was a testament to that and I cannot begin to grasp the wealth of memories she possesses or the influence she has inspired. I do know that I consider myself truly honored to have been there and I can only hope that my own life can resemble the examples she has set.

At least it is for Daniel Boulud ... Photo by Medilek Mandarin Oriental annouced today that it will partner with the French chef for his first outpost in Europe at The Group's historic and award-winning hotel in London.  Bar Boulud opens next spring at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park  as a classicly inspired bistro and wine bar similar to its predecessor in New York. Bar Boulud, London  will bost a separate entrance on Knightsbridge and will offer exquisite design by Adam D. Tihany . With a signature charcuterie bar, select French wines, and the finest ingredients, London's culinary scene just got better (or, it will in 2010).

Inspiration: " Life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forwards. " - Soren Kierkegaard Perseverance: “ Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.” - Thomas Alva Edison Discovery: “ For my part, I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel’s sake. The great affair is to move. ” – Robert Louis Stevenson

I had the great pleasure of catching up with two friends last night. I met both through the editorial world, one a few years back and the other more recently. The dynamic is quite nice and we always have a good laugh. We consider ourselves foodies and love to indulge our palates whenever possible. Our destination was The Standard Grill and our "call time" was 9:30PM. I arrived a bit earlier and the place was bustling. Our table was perfectly situated to provide a vantage point of the room and our fellow diners – socialite sighting included Eric Villency . Although I enjoyed my entire experience, I must say that I was not overly impressed with the food and felt the service a bit lacking… It wasn’t terrible by any means; it just seemed a bit off. The roast chicken “pour deux” was bit dry and our libations (although very inspired) seem to get lost on the perilous journey from the bar to the table. However, the sides were palatable and the bill was reasonable. Thanks CM for pick...

Courtesy of Williams-Sonoma Home Mr. K and I recently moved into a new apartment. As this was our first time cohabitating in a new flat (previously, we had taken shelter in his apartment of 25+ years), we pretty much furnished the place with all new pieces - I know ruff life... Part of the search was for adequate lighting throughout. For the bedroom, we found two great Crystal Block lamps (pictured above). They were delivered on Monday but without the bulbs. I understand that this is not a huge travesty, however, the required ones are so specific (and rare) that most NY outposts don't carry them - at least the places I shop. All I am saying is that for the price point, one would assume they would come with the necessary equipment. Anyway, my search continues for these elusive bulbs...

Not to sound like the Cole Porter song, but I do love Paris. I actually became a Francophile my junior year in college when I spent a semester in Aix en Provence . It was a love affair that would bring me to the Cote d'Azur and eventually Paris. Mr. K and I visited the "city of lights" last March and I rediscovered the city with him and deepened my affections. One of our special places is on the western-most point on the Ile de la Cite (as pictured above). Mr. K is actually in Paris now (sans moi), but I look forward to when we return together next year. A bientot.

Courtesy of Conde Nast Traveler Last night, Conde Nast Traveler hosted their " Reader's Choice Awards " at the IAC building in west Chelsea. A truly star-studded affair, guests included Stanley Tucci and Mary Louise Parker (both MC's of the show) and Richard Branson (who accepted the honor of "Top Airline" in North America for Virgin's US transport). An evening of success - guests moved to the music by DJ Timka and heard travel-tales from other celebs like Rachel Hunter and Regis Philbin. Congratulations to all the winners (and finalists) for true achievement - you provide travelers the means to which they experience the world. " The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page. " - St. Augustine

One of my favorite shows on TV is Brothers and Sisters . I absolutely love the dysfunctional yet tender moments this ensemble shares. Having visited my family this past weekend, I am reminded that I too have these relationships. This is not to say that we are like "The Walkers" - mostly because the characters are bit romanticized. However, we have our moments and drama has certainly entered our lives. I think my mother coined it best when she says we have a "black cloud" over us. In all honesty, we have been very lucky. There have been periods of hardship and some real tragedies, but through it all we have remained supportive and loving. I guess what matters most is not what we experience, but how we deal with it and how it shapes who we become.

Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental, San Francisco I love where I grew up and when I visit I'm reminded just how lucky I was to have had these environs. I flew home yesterday for a family wedding and before the festivities began, I treated my parents to a night in the city complete with uber-luxurious accommodations at Mandarin Oriental . One of my favorite hotels, the views are transcendent and make you understand how one could leave their heart there. We had dinner on Belden Place , a cozy street with European dining options and alfresco seating. I stumbled across this hidden gem long after I moved to the east coast, but every time I travel through the "city by the bay" I always make it a priority to eat there.

Having worked amidst the magazine world for the majority of my professional career, I am very saddened by the departure of a legendary publication. Conde Nast has recently announced that it will close Gourmet as well as three other of its titles - Cookie , Modern Bride and Elegant Bride . This follows similar closures earlier in the year of Portfolio and Domino. It is not news that the publishing world has had its fare share of struggles during the economic downturn, but it's quite sounding when an institution of 70 years says goodbye. Many thanks to Ruth Reichl and her editorial team for indulging us with every story and every recipe. You will be missed.

Four simple words, "will you marry me", seem to define a major milestone in many people's lives. It's from this proposal that a series of significant moments follow - and I am only talking about those pre-wedding. An ex-colleague of mine was recently engaged and for her it was a long time coming; she literally had been waiting for the ring since the second date with her (now) fiance. To celebrate, I took her for drinks last night and she indulged me with the plans for the late winter nuptials. Currently, she has already found her wedding dress and is nearing confirmation of a venue. Flower decisions, culinary choices and band selections will soon follow - a typical course of action for any soon-to-be bride. So to my friend (and all other hopeful brides), congratulations and good luck!

Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental, Washington D.C. My 3-day getaway was to Washington, DC visiting a dear childhood friend. On these trips, we tend to (over)indulge our Bacchanalian sides with copious amounts of food and wine and happily consume just about anything we crave. The weekend began on Friday at Bar Dupont for happy hour with other locals I know and ended at a karaoke bar in Adams Morgan where I fittingly sang "The Gambler". Saturday was spent relaxing (read: nursing our hangovers) and watching a potpourri of movies. Meals consisted of diner fare, artificial-cheese product and pizza - I know very sophisticated. Saturday night brought us to Mandarin Oriental for amazing spa treatments and dinner at their newest restaurant Sou'Wester, a respectful endeavor that still needs to get its legs. A bit more motivated on Sunday, we left the apartment and had a nice Mexican lunch before I made the trek home. Needless to say, I had juice for breakfast this morning...

One of my all time favorite country songs (yes, I love country music and I live in NYC) is Kenny Roger's "The Gambler" . Most of my friends have heard me belt this tune numerous times at karaoke. However, today there is one line that I seem to be singing in my head all morning... Can you guess what it is? Courtesy of Amtrak (Acela) "On a train bound for nowhere" - Well, I actually know where I am heading and this high-speed Acela train is taking me there. Not sure I will have any whisky, but I am excited for the journey.

Photo by George Apostolidis We all know it's important to start our day with breakfast. We have personal preferences for what that is (I tend to like eggs and other proteins, but some prefer berries or fruit). The point is to have nourishment and energy for what lies ahead. However, I think there is another aspect of breakfast that is also important. It's not just the act of eating, but it's the experience. I had the pleasure of meeting colleagues while "breaking bread" this morning and I notice my outlook is a bit more positive. I admit it's not always possible to sit down and have a meal - but when you do, it is nice.

Photo by Jacob Snavely I have had the privilege of many great opportunities. Today was one of those experiences that was not short of a true pleasure. Celebrating the launch of his first outpost in the US, French Chef Pierre Gagnaire prepared an inspired lunch that would delight any gourmand. Featuring highlights from Twist by Pierre Gagnaire at the soon-to-open Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas , select "foodies" dined in style at the group's New York property - perched above Columbus Circle. The delectable dishes were a symphony of tastes that could only be orchestrated by the passion of a real maestro. Bienvenue Monsieur Gagnaire.

I have never considered myself a horticulturist, partly due to inhospitable environs - like most, my first New York apartment had no light. Regardless, I just can't seem to keep living plants, well, alive. I think it all started when I left for college and a family friend sent me off with a cactus. Usually a type of flora that is fairly resilient, I mean it thrives in desert heat with little water. However, a few weeks in my dorm room proved to be too much... It lasted just as long as the bulk pack of "cup of noodles" my parents bestowed me. So when a dear friend gave me a bamboo plant (a symbol of longevity and friendship), I was quite nervous about its lifespan. Thankfully three years later, it still flourishes.

The Dallas Morning News reported today that Southwest Airlines will no longer offer lemons with its beverage service. Saving an estimated $100,000 a year, flight attendants will only serve limes to their passengers. This decision follows a similar directive in 1987 where American Airlines stopped adding olives to its first-class salads. I hope their tea drinkers prefer milk...

Barbara Padilla does! I know she was the runner-up in last night's final of America's Got Talent , but this remarkably talented woman is an inspiration and going to be a huge star. Video Recaps Full Episodes Webisodes

I like to consider myself a fairly gracious person. I never expect reciprocity for good deeds, nor do I act generously to reap the rewards. I do, however, think small gestures of gratitude are a bit forgotten. I was raised to always be polite and give thanks - growing up Catholic, it's prevalent. But, it's been the last few years that I have adopted the handwritten note. Something that is so simple and quite honestly, easy to remember, makes such a difference. In a time where emails and texts reign supreme, add a personal touch and substitute the Internet for the post. It tends to speak volumes.

I love discovering restaurants, newly opened or otherwise. However, I find it more gratifying when it's an establishment that I never knew existed until some "twist of fate" brought it to my attention. This recently happened a couple of weeks ago on a street not far from where I work and a block I frequent often. For some reason, on this particular day, I stumbled onto Yakitori Totto - a Japanese grill offering traditional-style street fare with other favorites. Last night, I finally stopped in for a quick bite and was completely enamored with the entire experience. Having loved my visit to Tokyo a couple of years ago, I found it to be quite authentic and delicious. Highlights include: Kawa (organic chicken skin) and Kuro Buta Negi Pon (organic pork with scallion and ponzu) - both skewered and cooked to perfection. It's safe to say that I will be going back.

It's that time of year when Manhattan comes alive again. New Yorker's take back the city and the celebrity-studded events are abundant. From the VMA's and the US Open to Fashion Week, it seems as if the world's attention is centered here. Not directly in the fashion world (indirectly, yes - Mr. K is a designer...), I am always excited when my invite to Vivienne Tam's spring preview arrives. I have known Vivienne for a few years now and I always love to show my support and see her new designs. Unfortunately, a last minute change prevented me from attending on Saturday night, but I heard the show was inspired and her new line is gorgeous. Congratulations VT! Oh, and by the way... Not cool Kanye.

The evolution of life brings about change. It affects our lives in many ways; the progress we strive for, and the regression we avoid. However, change is also about the things we must overcome to arrive at a better place - sometimes we may have to experience hardship before we can ever see the gain. It is this change that defines us; it is this change that will immortalize us. On this historic day, the tragedy of it all is only lessened by the hope of a better tomorrow. Never forget.

It seems that as I get older and more entrenched in my career, I don't have enough time to connect with everyone in my life. It's not to say that I am completely void of personal relationships (Mr. K and I have a busy social life), but the frequency in which I see (or speak to) all my friends can be sporadic. In an effort to 'make contact', I have decided to do more. I recently found - through the omnipotent powers of Facebook - an editor I worked for years ago. I had been trying to locate her for awhile and was so delighted to finally track her down. Time may have passed, but these friendships never change. Now that hectic summer weekends are in the past, I look forward to reconnecting with those whom may feel forgotten.

A few years ago, I read a collection of short stories by Andrew Holleran . The charmingly poignant vignettes were entertaining and humorous, but it was the title of the book (subsequently, the title of this post) that truly struck me. I had never really noticed it before, but the light does change ever so subtlety in September. At times it's unrecognizable, but once you begin to look for it, you do notice the slight difference in hues. It's as if the light has adjusted just as the cooler temperatures settle in - acting like a harbinger of fall. Although I will miss the summer months, I look forward to what autumn brings...

It figures the night before Labor Day weekend - the last respectable time to wear white, I spill on my summer jeans. Luckily for me, the folks at Txikito (cozy Spanish tapas bar in Chelsea) came to my rescue with a Tide pen. I mean it was "sort of" their fault for offering such great dishes like Txistorra (spicy sausage with sidra) and Txilindron (pork spare ribs); not to mention the great wine list. With a quick wash, I should be all set for the weekend at the beach. How clever to have a supply of this miracle stain remover on hand - quite above and beyond. I highly advise other establishments to follow suit; it won't go unnoticed.

As a child, the end of summer always meant the return to organized education - teachers, homework and scheduled hours. Soon gone would be the days of backyard forts, sand castles and extended bedtimes. Now, my thoughts go directly to the harsh reality of winter weather. As a native Californian, I am still not used to snowy commutes even after 10 years... And though we can't bargain for more, thoughts of halcyon days where daylight seemed never ending will linger in my mind until they once again return next year. So with the last " unofficial " summer weekend approaching, I look forward to lazy mornings, copious amounts of rose wine and (hopefully) balmy evenings.

I love the 20th-century architecture of New York. Edifices like the Seagram Building and Lever House seem to immortalize the "American dream". One of my favorite reads is The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand and I romanticize that these are the buildings of "Howard Roark". However, I sometimes forget about the historic buildings in New York - they too have an important part in the fabric of this city. While walking around Madison Square Park last night, I discovered The Manhattan Appellate Courthouse , a remarkable marble-faced structure with stout columns. Built at the turn of the century, it stands as its own "fountain head" to the neighboring classical-style structures.

One of my favorite things is taking advantage of all the free concerts, performances and other activities a city offers. New York is not short of any of these and summer is a good time for a variety of choices. I was quite good this year and made it to The Philharmonic in Central Park and a Bryant Park movie. However, something I just discovered (and new this year) was the Summer HD Festival at Lincoln Center - a series of 10 Met performances shown on a large outdoor screen in the plaza. Screenings are free and a number of seats are available for the first to arrive. One can even purchase a three-course "Pique-Niques" dinner across the street at Bar Boulud . Complete with a daily chilled soup, an artisan sandwhich selection and a tempting dessert, this 'meal in bag' beats the sac lunches mom use to make. Bon Appetit.

Since the weekend did not turn out to be a total wash, Sunday's weather was perfect for taking in the city's best (tourist and staycation'er alike). One of the places I visited was the Museum of Arts and Design at its new locale on Columbus Circle. I had been meaning to go since it opened last year, just never made it - which is completely sad as I walk by the iconic building everyday. I quite enjoyed my romp around and found the artwork housed inside interesting. A visiting exhibit that caught my attention was of Klaus Moje whose work includes intricate layers of colored glass. Like most museum stores, the "resident" shop had great gift items. Mr. K and I bought four coffee mugs and even got a member's discount... Thanks MAD!

In a city where dining out is a favorite pastime and restaurants are as ample as the diners that flock to them, why is it so difficult to actually have dinner? Oh right, it's all about the reservation! It so happened that my boyfriend and I (let's call him Mr. K from now on - I know this screams "Sex and the City", but it's really about anonymity....) found ourselves not escaping to the beach and so we made plans with friends. The proverbial question of "where" was followed by "how"... With a leap of faith, we headed down to one our favorite destinations, Scarpetta . Normally, we would saddle up to the bar and dine there but with four, it's not that easy. Fearing an opening at 10:30 or 'al fresco' seating, we were about to leave defeated when an angel of mercy (OK, not really but she was the "hostess of rescue") informed us of a last minute cancellation in the main dining room. Thrilled, we settled in for a fantastic meal ...

I am on a search of discovery. To find what "nourishes" me and overtly what doesn't. Not only in sustenance , but in an experiental way... Does this make sense? It all started with eating more 'greens' and less: insert just about anything that taste good. However, it soon evolved to include the activities I choose and things I wanted for my future. I was observing how I interacted with others and how I reacted to circumstances (let me just insert here, it wasn't always some type of altruistic behavior - this isn't a spiritual quest). And, I realized in trying to become more aware, I had a great time with the search. I found things funnier, things that were truly touching and (on occasion) things to be, well, really annoying. I mean let's face, we all exercise the right to be persnickety, no?!? So instead of writing a journal or diary (blah, blah, blah), I opted for the public approach and share it with whomever wants to read it. So if you are reading, ...