Just Desserts (And Dinner)

I wrote in my last post about Terroni, a place I've been going to for authentic southern Italian food for, oh, about 20 years now. (I know when to arrive so that there aren't any line-ups. And I only visit the one on Queen West. The other, newer locations are like ersatz wannabes IMO. Stupidly, they have line ups too.) Here are a couple of shots of yummy dolci...

Almond Tart with strawberries, floating in creme anglaise

Scottie's torta caldo on vanilla sauce with balsamic cream hearts

"My Style In One Picture" Challenge*

* Devised by the queen of interiors herself, Alek aka the girl From the Right Bank, this is a fun - and surprisingly difficult - little game.

The gist of it is that I find one photo that sums up every element of design I love. But what's a girl to do when she loves so much?? I'm, like, polyamorous with the rooms!

So here's what I've come up with. But I want you to know I'll cheat with the next mid-century couch or leopard print rug that catches my eye. Cuz that's just the kind of girl I am.

Photo courtesy of Apartment Therapy Home Tour

What gets me off:

• I am transfixed by natural light and beautiful exteriors/views that complete an interior space.
• The interior lighting is inviting and sexy.
• The fireplace is FANTASTIC. How I covet it. Let me count the logs.
  
• The floors - warm but spare - really inspire me.
• I love all the mid-century design elements in the architecture and furniture. How wonderful to see a space whose bones match its window dressing.
• I'm attracted to sparseness that manages to be a) adult b) sensual and c) warm - in tone and in attitude.
• Can you imagine the key parties that would have happened in this San Diego gem 45 years ago?? :-) And the tripping on acid 35 years ago? And the nouvelle cuisine that would have happened 25 years ago?? Gotta love a home that piques the imagination.
  

Aperitivo

A few weeks ago I tried a new drink at Terroni. I cannot remember the name but it's made of Aperol and prosecco, on ice, and it's a perfect combo of bitter, sweet and bubbly. The colour alone - the most amazing, neon shade of tangerine - makes it entirely worth ordering. I haven't seen this booze at the LCBO (it lives near the Campari) but I will snap it up as soon as I do.

Have any of you tried Aperol? Thoughts?

Other People's Gardens

You know my friend Hilary? Well, here are some photos of her beautiful, east end, urban garden taken at her adorable son's 5th birthday party a few weeks ago...

All the trim is Douglas fir

Hil's husband, David, designed the canvas structure that shades the garden

H is the 5 year old, C is his cutie-pie sister who's 3...

Recognize those chairs / table? Apparently it's a perennial IKEA fave.

The horizontal fence - a relatively expensive but optimally elegant solution - is made of spruce stained to look like Douglas fir. Smart, huh? Still really $$$ though.

Grommet Chic

Gotta love these, yes? So easy to wear (with the one inch wedge), strangely comfortable (especially when invisible blister bandage is worn under grommet near the large toe) and tough!

They appear to go with everything. Found them at Winners for $39.00 a few weeks ago.

Scott's Cell Phone Camera Kind Of Sucks

You know how I promised you those fabulous white jean photos from Mtl. Well, they really didn't turn out at all. They were fuzzy and the colour was off and the lighting insane. I did try to adjust them and these are the only 4 I could save. Alas, they don't really show the ensemble...

This is also a good time to mention that I appear to have completely misrepresented the outfit in the White Painter post. I am not dressed monochromatically and I'm not wearing tall heels and they aren't purple. Let's see this as a gentle homage, yes? The monochrome is in the bottom half of the look - white pants evaporate into pale sandals - improving the elongation effect. I do bring the berry tones into the outfit via the sweater.




All that matters is that I looked rather metropolitan sophisticate in white denim with a black shell, blueberry cardi (around shoulders here) and my champagne coloured shoes. I suggest you do this same.

True Patriot Love

Happy Canada Day!