Lavomatic and Findlay Market

We went out to brunch at Lavomatic Sunday.   It was fabulous.  Al and I both had the "Eggs Rockefeller", french bread topped with poached eggs, fried oysters, and creamed spinach. There was a small green salad on the side, and while we waited, we were offered scrumptious french pastries.  The ambiance was lovely and the food absolutely delicious.  We sat next to the window.  There was a constant stream of diners coming in to take advantage of the rooftop deck on a sunny day.  

After brunch we headed to Findlay Market.  I bought a piece of pottery from a potter spinning as we walked by.  The fresh produce looked great and the prices were right.  We bought 3 humongous red peppers that I turned into Red Pepper Soup today.  I topped it with a couple of other great finds,  fresh Cilantro and Greek Yogurt.  The Market was bustling with poets, artists and shoppers, a good thing for Cincinnati.

I encourage all you Cincinnatians out there and visitors from near and far to give these venues a try.

New Findlay Market hours!

My Weekly Green

In my quest for green I have had to face a devastating discovery. Cut flowers are not a green alternative.  The book Green, Greener, and Greenest, discusses the negative impact cut flowers have on the environment.  Most cut flowers in the US a grown in underdeveloped countries and shipped here "belching" fossil fuels all the way.  In addition,  they are grown in huge poorly ventilated greenhouses that expose the workers and end users to copious amounts of pesticides and herbicides.   

Here are the cut flower lover's options as cited in Green, Greener and Greenest.   At minimum wear gloves when handling fresh flowers to protect yourself from the residues of pesticides and herbicides used in growing.  Buy organic flowers to cut down on exposure of yourself and others to pesticides and herbicides.  Buying locally grown flowers cuts down on fossil fuel emissions.  Give potted plants or organic bulbs as alternative gift ideas.  Ask local shopkeepers to seek out local and organic sources.  

After reading this, I was delighted when I found bunches of tulips grown in Virginia at the market.  Virginia, that is local enough for me.  I bought two.

Jeff Beck a No Go: Then a No Show

My husband, Al, and his friend, Wally, had plans to see Jeff Beck Friday night in Chicago.  Only this is Wally's World and Wally did not realize the tickets were for Thursday night. Once the error was found, the boys called, emailed and begged, but to no avail, they weren't getting in.

We stayed at the Sofitel on Wabash street.  Great location, great rates, hoppin' Bar, Euro crowd, breakfast to die for.  Bar served Absinthe, which Al gave a try. Absinthe was banned in the US since 1912 and just legalized in 2007.  It is licorice flavor but a bit strong for my taste.

We had dinner at a restaurant, with origins in Greenwich Village, food styled from the Abruzzo region of Italy.   This was our second visit to IL Mulino. Totally cool building for all you architectural design freaks.  It was a converted "mansion" of days gone by, woodwork over the top and 18 foot ceilings. 

Three of us entered to a flurry of waiters bringing all kinds of complementary anti pasta to our table, before we could order our first drink.  There was a garlicky bruschetta, spicy zucchini chips, italian salami.  I had the mushroom risotto 1/2 portion.  So good.  Enough to share with Al.  We declined desert.  Double espresso and cappuccinos instead, topped off with a complimentary house infused tropical fruit Grappa.  We drank a great Tuscan wine a Brunello di Montalcino. My husband thought the wine list was a bit limited.  We had a totally enjoyable meal.  We saved a seat at the table for Jeff but he was a no show.

goodreads Is For Book Lovers

I have just signed up on another social Media and networking site, goodreads.  I learned of the site from a blog I follow, Bleeding Espresso.  The site can be used to keep track of books you have read and those you want to read.  You can find reviews here and write a review of your own,  as well as, rating the book on a scale of 1-5 stars.  The site also has a listing of author tours in your area.  There are videos, trivia,  and lots of people sharing lots of ideas on books of all kinds.

I have been reading John Lennon: The Life and I was encouraged to see the reviews and an average rating of 4.67, since I have had a little trouble getting into the book.  My plan is to give goodreads a try.  See you there!   Marge on Goodreads