Christian Louboutin shoes and Cafe Boulud in New York City

New York City is a city of wonder! So much to see, so many interesting people, shops, events. 

Of course, as the queen of shoes(have I ever mentioned that?), I couldn't help but stop in front of the Christian Louboutin shoe store on Madison Avenue on our way to Cafe Boulud the other night.

Alas, those heels are excruciatingly high for me right now. I'll just admire them in the window!

Arriving early for our dinner reservation, Stelios and I waited at the bar. It's a beautiful, serene space where one can rest their feet and sip their favorite aperitif. Ours was a bottle of French rose accompanied by a medley of really good olives.

At the dinner table I decided to go with the raw oysters. Whenever they are on the menu that's my first choice.

 The others had a lovely gazpacho.

The main course was a grilled swordfish with a salsa. Delicious!

Of course, dessert is key, and a chocolate gateau hit the spot.

These New York girls were so interesting, I had to ask for a photo. They gladly obliged. Thank you ladies!

It's no wonder New York city is a huge tourist destination. No where in the world compares!
Enjoy!
Maria

Japanese Treasures

It was a few years ago when I saw a sign around town that read: "Estate Sale." I had an errand to run but made a mental note to hit the Estate Sale on my way back home. I can't resist a yard sale, let alone one that was termed "Estate Sale." It denoted to me that I should expect a cut above!

Sure enough, I had enough time to pay a visit to the house on my return. It was an intriguing house that made me wonder about it's previous inhabitants who were nowhere to be found, one of them long dead and the other, a lady in her 90's, on her way to an assisted living community. There were many items from countries around the world, clueing me in to the travels those two must have enjoyed through the years. 

The owners were surely discerning people whose collectibles including items from Greece. But what caught my fancy was a cluster of beautiful items that were Japanese. I had been to Japan a few years back and loved the culture and the Japanese craftsmanship and sense of art.

I bought as many as I could afford, some of them I didn't even know what they were, but they had captured my imagination and I couldn't leave without them.
Some of the items have markings on them that I could not read. Some I didn't even know what they were used for.

Today, I share my finds with you and I hope you see as much beauty in them as I do.
Enjoy!
Maria

Grilled Wild Alaskan Salmon is King

I love fish, and it's a great powerfood with lots of protein, beneficial omega 3 fatty acids and it tastes good too! There are many ways to prepare fish but one of the easiest is simply grilling it outside brushed with some olive oil.

This is the time when the salmon are running and wild salmon is available at the markets. Yes, it's more expensive than farmed but when you factor in how much healthier it is to eat wild fish, it's worth it.

 Blanch some spinach

 Steam or grill some corn

Brush the fish with some olive oil on all sides.

Make a dressing with a couple of cloves of minced garlic, the zest of one lemon, the juice of one lemon, and a 1/2 cup of olive oil. Salt and pepper to taste. This works great on the salmon after it's done grilling and also over the steamed spinach.

This is just here because I'm showing off my newest antique find. Don't you love that beautiful green glass!

No meal is complete without Stelios' great bread!  Especially dunked in that great Kalamata olive oil.

And here's your dinner, simple, flavorful, colorful, nutritious!

 And a cherry on top!

Enjoy!

Maria

Kea- Greek Island dreaming

Kea or Tzia, as the locals call it, is a Greek island off the Eastern coast of Greece, about an hour by ferry from the port of Lavrion. Lavrion is only about a half hour from Saronida where we have our summer place.So, a couple of years ago, we decided to take a short hop over to Tzia and spend a couple of days.

It's the most adorable Greek island, small but with a lot to see and do. The main city, Ioulis, is hidden in the notch of the hill, and can only be seen when you are very close to the island. It's up a steep hill from the port and the roads are narrow and winding through the neighborhoods. If you bring a car, you must park it outside of town and then hike up the hill.

 Some friends I made on the way

 Beautiful sandy beaches

 Island architecture

 View from our hotel balcony

The island has an amazing ancient trail system and Stelios and I decided to hike down to the ancient temple of Athena Karthea set close to a secluded beach.

 Can I get a ride?

It was a very steep trail

 So glad to have found this spring water!

Taking a water break

 Local young men on mules

Temple of Athena Karthea

At the Temple

Hydrating on the way back

 This yummy meal was our reward for the strenuous hike up.

 The port at night

The hotel at night

We tasted the local products, sampled the great restaurants, explored the ancient trails and swam in the clear waters. We spent a total of three days and it was magical. We stayed at a beautiful,waterfront hotel, it's balconies a gateway to the sea. The first day we explored Ioulis, hiking up to the top to take the views and stopping at a café for coffee and a pastry. The orange pie was delicious!
Some day I hope to return to Kea and climb again it's hilly paths.
Enjoy!
Maria