Friday, September 17, 2010

Oprah's Pick








OK, The last Oprah Pick for her book club is Jonathan Franzen's "Freedom" which recently received rave reviews in the NYTimes Book Review. Do you remember that back in 2001 Oprah and Franzen had a feud over his book, "The Corrections?" Franzen made somewhat disparaging remarks about Oprah's book club after Oprah named his book as her selection, which then led to Oprah rescinding the invitation to appear on her show. Nice to see they are friends again. What a year Franzen is enjoying! We have plenty of copies, but it is flying out of the store so stop by soon.






Thursday, September 16, 2010

Dominique Browning Tonight at the New Canaan Library




Don't miss tonight's author event at the New Canaan Library! Dominique Browning, former editor in chief of House and Garden found out abruptly one morning that she was dismissed from the job that she both loved and relied on for her identity. Her driven, purpose-filled days vanished. She fell into a panic of loss, but found humor despite everything, discovering a deeper joy than any she had ever known. What a great read for these crazy days of high unemployment!If she does'nt open your eyes to possibilities maybe your wearing blinders.


7:30 at the New Canaan Library, 151 Main Street, New Canaan 203-594-5000


Saturday, September 11, 2010

Peace and Fun





I'm reading a very fun, quirky book right now..."The Tower, The Zoo, and The Tortoise" by Julia Stuart. Set in the Tower of London it is a silly romp through the British psyche. Think of the BBC's Fawlty Towers show.






Along with that I am also reading and learning from a book of moments of quiet. It is your meditation 101 book. I think with all the noise in our worlds we need to find quiet spaces and this book helps guide you there. "Finding the Still Point" by John Daido Loori will direct you through the initial stages of developing a place for meditation in your life...try it. What do you have to lose?? Even if you don't buy into the practice you will appreciate the direction.




Thursday, September 9, 2010

Dog Whisperer in New Canaan



Wow, we are lucky to host Cesar Millan the dog whisperer from National Geographic Channel. His books are amazing along with his stories of rehabilitating abused dogs. Don't miss this.

Thursday October 7 at 4:00pm at the New Canaan Library.
Call to reserve a seat. 203-594-5000

Monday, August 9, 2010
















12noon - 4:00pm, August 29th is
New Canaan's Dog Days of Summer
street festival. Bring your pooch for a walk down to Cherry Street Village. Dog Contests, dunking for hot dogs, pet-friendly vendors, dog adoptions, kid activities, food and fun fun!

Check out the event website to register your dog for a contest.

http://www.newcanaandogdays.com/

The day benefits






Saturday, July 31, 2010

summer is fleeting


I am so behind with my blog postings. BUT, here I am with a great recipe, an excellent book and keep your fingers crossed an amazing author event. Michel Nischan the head chef of The Dressing Room, Westport Theater's restaurant has a beautiful book, "Sustainably Delicious."It has many of the recipes featured in the restaurant as well as more. He totally embraces the local food movement, giving major support to "Wholesome Wave", an inner city organization based in Bridgeport bringing wholesome food to low income customers at affordable prices. Check out this wonderful link.

http://www.wholesomewave.com/


Soooooo, I am very hopeful that ESB will be partnering with Michel for a fall event. Let's keep our fingers crossed.

Here is a terrific recipe from his book.

Easy, lots of good veggies and yummy. I love the crunchiness! Try it and stop by the store for the book. Mention you read about it on the blog and you'll get another 10% discount.

USE A SPOON CHOPPED SALAD

Serves 6
1 1/2 cups white wine vinegar
3 celery ribs, cut into 1/4 inch dice
2 carrots, peeled and cut into 1/4 inch dice
1 large red bell pepper, seed, cut into 1/4 inch dice
1 heirloom apple, cut into 1/4 inch dice
1/2 large cucumber, peeled, seeded and cut into 1/4 inch dice
1 cup each of the following; all sliced thin. radicchio,arugula & napa cabbage
3 TBSP good olive oil
seasonings to taste (sea salt, ground pepper)
1 1/2 cups crumbled local goat cheese
1/2 cup toasted almond slivers



Bring the vinegar to a simmer in a saucepan over medium heat.Add the celery and carrots.
Remove the pan from the heat.
When the vinegar has cooled, add the peppers. Cover and refrigerate til cold.
Strain the chilled vegetables through a sieve. Reserve the vinegar and vegetables separatel



Lastly,
Mix together the apple, cucumber,arugula,raddichio and cabbage in a lare bowl. Add 1/4 cup of the reserved vinegar and the oil and toss well. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Add the goat cheese and almonds.
This is a salad that displays summer's bounty. Enjoy.
















Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Summer Pick




Jayne has just finished the new Hilderbrand book...check out her review!




Elin Hilderbrand's new novel "THE ISLAND" is the perfect beach read if you are looking for a quick read with sun, romance, secrets,and a deserted island! If you are heading for a Nantucket vacation, or just want to go to Nantucket in your mind, read on because Elin takes you to the inside life of this popular little Island out to sea by setting the story on the remote, privately owned Island off the coast of Nantucket, called Tuckernut.
The story centers around a Mother who brings her two grown daughters and her Sister together for a long stay on Tuckernut to bond one more time before the wedding of one of her girls. India, Birdie, Chess and Tate each come full of personality, secrets, desires and search for answers at their ancestral home, now almost deserted but for the ghosts of relatives and their own memories. Grab your beach towel and umbrella, and don't forget to take along this great beach read!