home sweet home

eighteen hours

2 adults

2 kids

2 dogs

(one that gets carsick)

electronics

jam packed

and all I could think was 

why?

why?

Why was I leaving the paradise of the Hamptons to return to 

sweltering Georgia?

Then, I thought about the outstanding school my children attend,
our neighborhood, good friends, my family,
and remembered why.

 I arrived home

and sat on my little patio

overlooking the golf course

and all was right with the world. 

georgia on my mind...

Headin' South

chefs & champagne: the recap

We had a wonderful time Saturday night

at Chefs & Champagne,

an annual tasting party sponsored by the 

James Beard Foundation.

It features a select group of award-winning chefs,

their delectable creations,

Nicolas Feuillatte champagne,

Wolffer wines,

and Stella Artois beer.

It was a gorgeous, 

albeit sweltering

Hampton day.

I think I was too hot to move,

because I never made it around the auction tables.

For the first time,

I also missed a lot of the food.

Evidently, I was too busy talking.

(Imagine that!)

I promise I didn't miss this table.

The bubbly was especially refreshing in the heat.

The food was scrumptious

and the presentation

exquisite.

This was my favorite -

probably because these

were called "disco berries."

The lamb chops were decadent.

This year Emeril Lagasse was recognized for his

accomplishments and contributions

to educational programs

promoting the culinary arts.

We were honored to meet him.

We did Not expect to meet this guy.

Richard was so friendly and gregarious.

and he peppered John with questions about

growing wine in Sagaponack.

His lovely wife Carrie Lowell,

offered to take our picture.

I wish I had a picture of her.

She is Gorgeous!

We enjoyed spending time with good friends.

I love her dress from Marie Eiffel on Shelter Island.

Some people thought Geoff was Nacho -
the Ralph Lauren model & polo player.

Jenn had a great color combination.

Eventually, we made our way into the VIP tent

which turned into the real party as the evening progressed.

As always, we had an wonderful time

with interesting people.

I love the mini-champagne bottles as party favors.

Here we are on the Southampton Patch:

http://southampton.patch.com/articles/photos-chefs-champagne-soiree-honors-emeril#photo-7125631

It was the perfect event to end my summer.

I'm heading to Georgia tomorrow

and the Hamptons are just kicking off.

The biggest month here is August

and it's going to be rockin'.

Y'all have fun!

harvest cuvee

Last fall, some lucky souls bought a barrel of harvest cuvee at a wine auction.

The unveiling was to take place on Friday night, after hours, at 

Wolffer Estate Vineyards.

It's always a special experience to go into a place of business 

"after hours"

and nowhere could it be more so

than Wolffer.

We arrived to sparkling wine on the terrace,

but quickly retreated inside due to the crazy 

heat and humidity that struck

late last week.

It was an interesting group that came together for this event.

The conversation flowed like the wine

and the laughter followed.

For for a few of us,

 the night wasn't complete until

we had a nightcap of Prosecco 

at the American Hotel.

And as Forrest Gump once said,

"That's all I have to say about that."

social life

On Fridays throughout the "season", 

you can walk down any Hamptons street

and pick up magazines such as -

Plum Hamptons, Hamptons, Social Life, and Hamptons Cottages and Gardens.

The magazines are stacked by the doorways of

all the great stores. 

When John began working in the Hamptons five years ago,

each week when he returned to Georgia,

he would bring me a stack of magazines.

I devoured them.

I ooooed and aaahed over out of reach items ~

 clothing and accessories I could never afford.
I read interesting interviews with celebrities, 

 marveled at astronomical real estate,

and analyzed the society party pictures. 

I loved looking at the elegant women.

Their style is so different from the south.

And, I'll be honest,

 the thought would occasionally cross my mind

that it would be super cool to open a magazine

one day and see myself in a party pic.

(Of course, I Knew that would never happen...)

So you can imagine my surprise when,

on Friday, John called to tell me he was looking 

at a picture of us in Social Life magazine.

There we were - just two people from Georgia
who somehow landed in the Hamptons.
(forever grateful: cw)

  I hated my hair.

It looked way better in this pic:

but Who Cares?

As I prepare to return to Georgia,

I take with me,

crazy days,

 wonderful memories,

and a magazine!

chefs & champagne

Image:pinkwallpaper.blogspot

Chefs & Champagne is tomorrow!

I hope I get to meet Emeril.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Wölffer Estate Vineyard Chefs & Champagne® New York is the James Beard Foundation's annual summer tasting party. It features flowing Champagne, the wines of Wölffer Estate Vineyard, Stella Artois beers, and culinary offerings from a select group of more than 30 fine chefs, many from JBF Award–winning restaurants. The 2011 recipient of the Christian Wölffer Scholarship for wine and food studies will also be announced. A beloved chef, Emeril Lagasse made cooking and good food fun with his popular TV show Emeril Live. In addition to this success, Lagasse is the chef/proprietor of 12 restaurants and the author of 15 cookbooks. The James Beard Foundation is thrilled to honor this talented culinarian at this year’s Chefs & Champagne for his contributions not only to the world of food, but also for his dedication to educational programs that help young people discover the wonders of the culinary arts. “What an honor to be recognized by the James Beard Foundation,” said Emeril Lagasse. “I am looking forward to being part of such an incredible event, among exceptional colleagues, and most importantly, where the fundraising will be dedicated to supporting students’ culinary education.”    Event Details 4:30–10:30 P.M.: VIP Experience 5:30–8:00 P.M.: General Admission JBF Members $200 (Wine Club Members will be given the same prices as JBF members) General Public $275 VIP tickets: JBF members and general public $375 VIP tables of 10: $3,500 VIP Experience Includes: Exclusive one-hour access to all tastings; advanced silent auction bidding; reserved seating; VIP after-party access; and a gift bag. For reservations please call 212-627-2308 or visit jamesbeard.org/chefsandchampagne

sailing - take me away

Yesterday some very nice people invited Lyons and John 

to attend a sailboat race around Robin's Island.

They knew that Lyons has been in sailing camp for four years 

and wanted to give him the experience of being on a boat during a real race.  

I determined that Lyons would either have a great time

or a terrible time

and waited on pins and needles for their arrival home.

The good news was 

he had a great time!

What an evening.

They were in second place for most of the race ~

until the spinnaker sail got tangled while they were jibing.

(what?)

Lyons had a great time anyway.

Thanks for giving him this experience Peggy & Paul.

He'll never forget it.

And if you ever need an extra sailor again,

I'm sure he'll be available.