Wonderful Hosts and Amazing Everything

May 16, 2014

Ceasar's Salad with real American Cardini's dressing

Our day had been unspeakably sad and our thoughts were preoccupied with grief, but when we came to Andrea and Berndt we sensed their understanding and honest care and we were soon taken care of and could leave our thoughts behind for a while. The plan for the evening was first a special vintage bottle of champagne, which was the start of what was yet to come!

Good friends are the best cure for a sad heart
and laughter will be the sun on a rainy day .

We started with a Sea Bass Carpaccio marinated with lemon, olive oil and basil

Those plates are beautiful I might get them for myself, they are from Riedl

Gina was the perfect guest, she behaved so well that evening, isn't she stunning with her pretty collar!

This display was attracting attention and raised my interest! High expectations will only be topped when a host knows so much about wine that he finds a perfect match for each course. This is what we were offered, have you ever tried any of these ex… — This display was attracting attention and raised my interest! High expectations will only be topped when a host knows so much about wine that he finds a perfect match for each course. This is what we were offered, have you ever tried any of these excellent wines?

The Saffran soup was a complete surprise for me, the taste was … smooth, sour, sweet, tangy, rich and refreshing, and I'm allowed to let you know the recipe, I thought I ask for your request, so comment on this post and I promise I will have it ready for you! It's really yummy!

There is something about this shot that I love!

We all joined in the kitchen and watched the MAKING OF the Ceasar's Salad. Andrea added her personal note with some crushed rose pepper and her homemade croutons.

A carefully set table with elegant china and delicate wine glasses

Hosting is an art, a gift and a passion, which can all be found combined in Andrea and Berndt, yet it was relaxing and joyful to see them teaming up to make us feel special! Hope this inspires you as it does me!

Day at Dia Beacon

May 15, 2014

A few weeks ago Shreya, Helena, Chelsea and I decided to take a break from the city and head up to Dia Beacon in upstate New York. My parents recently went, so I was really excited to see what the fuss was about.

As soon as we got there we were greeted by the incredible blossoms and the nature and art was incredibly peaceful.

My favorites were the Richard Serra pieces that you could walk around in, I was always suprised by the way he shaped his massive sculptures on the inside.

The perfect peaceful day away from New York City!

NOT PIZZA – Herbs and Feta on Filo

May 15, 2014

Quick, easy, healthy a colorful snack, a fancy appetizer come and see how it is done

Perfect Bagels

May 13, 2014

I've always loved a good bagel and I have one almost every day for breakfast. Usually a cinnamon raisin one, toasted and with melted butter. When my friend Diya told me about Black Seeds I knew this bagel place in Nolita would take it to a whole new level. They make their own bagels in a wood fired oven in the back of their tiny restaurant, and I can safely say I've never had such a good bagel. You choose your type of bagel and one of their fillings. I was feeling adventurous so I got the red beet infused salmon with radices, red beet cream cheese and dill on a poppy seed bagel. Completely sold.

Buchteln

May 12, 2014

This Bohemian dessert has long been adopted to our kitchen every child loves and it brings back memories from childhood …

Happy Mother's Day

May 11, 2014

I love collaborating with my mom on this blog creatively and I'm incredibly thankful for the time and encouragement she has invested in me over the years, to not only work on my character, but also to explore my creative side. I'm so thankful that this blog has brought us closer and I really wish I could be there with you today to celebrate. I love you and owe you so much!

Sophie

The Naschmarkt in Vienna

May 10, 2014

The Naschmarkt in Vienna proves itself to be the place to be for foodies and gourmets

Joseph Leonard

May 9, 2014

My friend Carolyn and I recently signed the lease for an apartment together next year. It's going to be my very first apartment, so naturally I feel very grown up and to celebrate she took me to one of her new favorite brunch places in West Village, Joseph Leonard. Carolyn clearly knows me pretty well, because I absolutely loved this place!

We started out with the usual round of fruit, coffee and orange juice.

Carolyn had the omelette with mushrooms, goat cheese and baby lettuce.

I had the avocado toast with scrambled eggs and I was extremely impressed by the avocado toast, which was made just the way I usually make mine at home.

I also had to get a side of the country fried bacon, which was almost too intense, but amazing nevertheless!

Afterwards we went for a stroll in our new neighborhood and the light was so gorgeous that I simply had to share a few pictures with you:

New York, it's really hard not to love you at times like these.

Bread and Wine

May 8, 2014

Luckily enough, we have amazing bread in Vienna! There is nothing better than a Brettljausn (or simply bread and cold cuts)!
Joseph makes my favorite bread, but Mauracher and Kasses have fabulous breads for every dietary restriction under the sun. A simple and easy meal with prosciutto, olives and tomato salad is fun for guests that come by on short notice, or just for a quick dinner with my family. For the sake of the vegetable lover in our little group – me, I salted and set aside some eggplant in olive oil for 15 min, which I then quickly grilled and made into a great open faced sandwich with the Serrano ham and parmesan shavings. My sweetheart loves simple food and good quality products and I agree: it does not have to be fancy and complicated, just look at the pictures and stop by next time for a quick Brettljausn!

Tartinery

May 7, 2014

April seems to be the month of birthdays in my friend group. For my room mate Diya's birthday we went to Tartinery in Nolita. Their menu is based on the French concept of Tartines, or open faced sandwiches. You choose your type of bread and then order a massive amount of different tartines. They were all delcious, but I think my favorite was probably the Croque Monsieur, because let's be honest, a melted cheese sandwich is always a winner.