The Mild Observer

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.