Sad Culinary News...

I read some sad news that The Tavern on the Green will be serving it's last meal this New Years Eve 2009. I confess that I never ate there, but dreamed of having brunch with a view of the amazing gardens and central park. It seems the recesson has claimed another victim and the powers that be could not resist the new owners promise to renovate the facility into a "Green Building" (gag) But I guess all things change and I am sure that the memories will live on in the hearts of the millions of patrons that sampled the delights The Tavern on the Green had to offer.

I would love to attend the auction of all of the ornate decor and treasures that graced the interior. Here is a sample of what will be on the auction block...

"Describes as a "gorgeous and glorious wonderland, Tavern on the Green has
six spectacular dining rooms and three exquisite gardens. With its "rustic baroque" decor, Tavern is full of whimsical ornamentation in a woodsy setting. Tavern also makes use of light - in mirrors and crystal, sunlight and moonlight pouring through huge windows, and flickering light from candles and chandeliers. Tavern on the Green has a total of 45 chandeliers, made from more than 15,000 pieces of crystal. The 16 stained glass chandeliers in the corridors, Chestnut and Rafters rooms were designed by Warner LeRoy and made under his supervision in various workshops.
There are 14 sandblasted and etched mirrors, designed by Warner LeRoy and
made by the famous Sheft Brothers of Bronx, New York. Warner LeRoy also designed the 38 carved puntice mirrors that capture the light throughout the restaurant. Also known as "bulls eye" mirrors, they were popular in England in the 17th Century. There are 24 copper and gold-leaf weathervanes made in 1976 by hammering from original 18th Century molds. The molds have since been lost, making these weathervanes quite rare."

AP has more

http://apnews.myway.com/article/20091230/D9CTON5O0.html

Consider a TOTG Cocktail for New Years! From the Cocktail menu...

Tavern's Signature Very Berry Metro $15
Skyy Berry Vodka, Cointreau,
Cranberry and Lime Juices

Caramel Apple Martini
$14
Sour Apple Pucker, Butterscotch Liqueur, Vodka, Sliced Apple and Caramel
Swirl Garnish

Iced Vanilla Latte $14
Navan Vanilla Cognac,
Hazelnut Liqueur, Godiva Chocolate Liqueur, Light Cream
Shaken over ice

Plum Fizz $14
Pearl Plum Vodka, Chambord, Cranberry
Juice, Splash of Perrier
Garnished with Fresh Blackberries

Golden Orchard $14
Absolut Peach Vodka, Triple Sec, Apple
Cider, Splash of 7-Up
Garnished with Red Apple Wedge

Harvest
Sunset $14
Cruzan Orange Rum, Triple Sec, Chartreuse, Splash of Orange Juice
and Perrier
Orange Twist

Citrus-Sake Martini $14
Tyku Fruit
Infused Sake, Alize Passion Liqueur, Citrus Vodka, Cranberry Juice
Splash of
Lime Juice

White-Out in Washington

Some are calling this an 'Epic' storm! This is the largest storm I have seen in my 27 Years in the DC area! Funny that President Obama hurried home to the White House from a Global Warming Conference in Copenhagen, Denmark... I baked Christmas cookies and went out into the snow for just a bit. Enjoy the pictures. Knee deep snow for the first time in a long time.

The Tree becomes the Forest

Here are some pictures of the largest banyan tree planted by Thomas Edison it was from a cutting from the largest banyan tree in India.

"Long Description:This banyan is the largest in the continental United States and is a Florida Champion Tree. It was given to Thomas Edison in 1925 by Harvey Firestone and was only 4 feet tall at the time. Thomas Edison experimented with different trees and plants for use as rubber and filaments. Tree Information:Genus/Species: Banyan Tree - Ficus BenghalensisHeight: 62 feetGirth: 32 feetAge: Approximately 83 yearsPlanter: Thomas Edison" via http://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WM3DFK

Great Treasure!

My Uncle Kennie and Aunt Karen sent us a Wedding Gift direct to our resort. It was like a treasure waiting for us when we arrived. And boy did we use these Flip-flops. I got a white pair and Dave got a Black pair! They would leave the words "Just Married" in the sand when you Flip-Flopped down the beach! Soo Cool! We love them!

A trip to Paradise!

Here is a shot of us at the Famous Naples Pier. It is renown for one of the great fishing spots and one of the best places to see the sunset in Naples. We came back several times to marvel at the sunsets. Each one was diffrent depending on the clouds various colors. Truely breathtaking!

Our Wedding! 5-2-2009

We are overjoyed to announce that we were married in a Catholic Mass on May 2, 2009 in Manchester, New Hampshire. We also had a cocktail hour and grand reception at The Currier Museum of Art. We have attached some photos for you to enjoy.
Here is a lovely slide show of the wedding and reception from our wedding photographer John Hartnett we hope you enjoy them! http://johnny337.myshowit.com/lara_david

Alert! I am on Biden Watch

As if I need anymore overdose on this election. I have been told that Joe Biden will be staying in the hotel I'm staying in! Wow! Colorado is getting so much attention from both campaigns! I will keep an eye out for him...The Secret Service Agents should be a give-away. Stay Tuned...