Fun Sundays at Farra

That jolt of wind every now and then over the weekend reminded me that I would wear my scarf until…..mid May??! We were seated at the best spot for observing Tribeca locals and their very chic dogs.

Couldn’t resist drawing something to convey this delightful Sunday “Spring-Ish” (it was actually kind of blustery out that day) Supper.

In case you go…which, you really should go…here’s the run down:)
A pretty and delicious Sunday supper that paired well with the weather.
The Vino
A wbtg—2023 Cogno, Anas-Cëtta, Nascetta del Comune di Novello, Piedmont, Italy.
Etc….

  • Sourdough, Everything Profiterole, Lavash, Garlic Bread

  • Burrata, Golden Beet, Pineapple, Pistachio

  • Hamachi Crudo, Cranberry, Almond Butter 

  • Rice, Scallop, Egg Yolk, Trout Roe 

  • Shrimp Ravioli, Miso Bonito Bouillon, Ricotta, Olive Oil

A moment...

A quiet moment for what I now realize is a VERY animated and energized Jack Russell. Her gleeful shenannigans are such a treat to watch, however, this also happened—a moment where we sat at our gorgeous mid day nosh at La Mercerie and her sweet little face was watching and waiting fairly patiently from below….I added in elements - LOL the paw …and she’s A LOT closer to that yummy plate of anchovies than she was that day. I now know the potential of what she’s really capable of if given the opportunity!

She certainly had her eye on the prize;)!

Winespiration & a delicious dinner at Borgo

I don’t feel compelled to drink unless it’s going to add something remarkable to the experience. If you’re reading this you may already know about Borgo and if not then hopefully I can convince you to go because I can’t stop thinking about it. It’s now number 1 on a list that Im creating in my mind of where to go next time I need wine-spiration.
Considering who their wine director is, my epiphany is not a shocker. In reading about Lee Cambpell, perhaps I should ask chat gpt for assistance in finding all of her past wine selections….LOL that would be an amazing learning experience if I could taste through that list!

And OMG the food is awesome!

En was part of my intro to Manhattan. Sad to say goodbye after many clam misos…the perfect setting for long conversations and the yummiest tuna avocado salad!

It is almost 5pm: Will I stick to the plan? Happy TG weekend!
• Original book cover for One Thousand Vines Illustrated by Loan Nguyen Thanh Lan
• Original book cover for Wine Confident designed by James Pople

Northern Italian Nibbles

This little piggy knows how to have FUN!
Note: In moderation as she’s capable of balancing herself on a corkscrew while she indulges in her Nebbiolo and a specialty of the Piemonte region: the white truffle. Fun fact: Boars/Pigs are not used for truffle hunting because they will gobble up these precious delights. Instead ‘tartufaio’ choose specially trained dogs who aren’t into nibbling on “The Diamonds of The Langhe.” 
Here are some nibbles for you, from my latest project with a fabulous group of fine wine specialists from Winebow Imports Heritage Division. 

Sketch Night at the Regency

A random thought about nursery school. Prompted by what? Maybe it was the flowers he held, but they were white and he was wearing a tartan suit. Maybe it was the champagne I sipped? A recent sketch night at The Regency Bar & Grill, through Society of Illustrators. I can’t say that I love rust or brown. She did have the sweetest poodle:).

"It's time to repot."

I just received my copy today! I’m so proud to have worked with Harvey on his meaningful and inspirational project.
It’s one of the best feelings to collaborate with friends and help them develop their concept, or with clients who become friends during the process, and in this case I had the privilege of working with one of my favorite people.
I met Harvey through my very special teacher, mentor and friend, Charlie Rosner. Harvey and I immediately clicked and he hired me to design his first book, Wings & Roots. I learned so much about myself through that project and our time together, and got to know Harvey and his wife, Elaine.
Harvey has become a mentor, dear friend, and a major motivator and inspiration to me. Especially now, after working with him on his second book, a 400 page memoir that he wrote in THREE months! This is just one of the several goals he’s created and accomplished and he continues to create as a prolific artist, writer and more.
One of my favorite stories is one of his more intimate pieces, about how he met his wife, Elaine. I’m partial to it because it’s so whimsical and describes this one moment in time that contributed to the creation of their lives together, oh and it also involves horses:-).
If you’re interested in purchasing a copy of this book, it’s available on Amazon at Itstimetorepot
Harvey is donating all profits to The Trevor Project.

Draw - design - drink (a little) wine

A recent project for the Women in Wine Leadership Symposium held in NYC. So many wonderful parts to the process of learning about these inspiring female winemakers and pioneers in the wine industry from around the world and then tasting their phenomenal wines at the event!
Gifted to each speaker as 11x14 prints, displayed at the event both digitally and in print, the main poster highlighted the day’s agenda and was handed out to attendees as a takeaway.
Postcards were offered to the attendees to mail out during the event. A nice detail…
Enjoy!

Sip a Sauv. with me today

It’s International Sauvignon Blanc Day and Wanda Mann, East Coast Editor for the Somm Journal, Writer, Storyteller and Presenter is “sipping sunshine” with a glass of Villa Maria Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc 2023 from Marlborough, NZ. I’m beyond thrilled to have a feature illustration accompany her delicious review — a sunset scene to highlight her tasting notes and summer tunes.

Sip – Villa Maria Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc 2023
Read – Wanda’s wine experiences, reviews and events: @winedinewanda
Listen – Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc Mix on spotify: wine with wanda

🌞ps manifesting sunshine with this post, on a 🌧️ NYC morning

Latest Read, Get the Picture

Another wintery outing to a fantastic event called, “Just One of Those Things,” at Joe’s Pub, House of Speak Easy for storytelling by best selling author, Bianca Bosker (her new book is Picture Perfect) and Roz Chast (I Must Be Dreaming), staff cartoonist for the New Yorker…along with two other authors, Benjamin Dryer (Dreyer’s English) and Ava Chin (Mott Street).
Joe’s is the ideal set up for dinner theater. It’s a phenomenal venue because it’s spacious, yet still intimate. The service is terrific and the food and wine selections pair well with the atmosphere. Everyone around me was RAVING about the fries!
Bianca’s first book, Cork Dork, inspired me to explore wine with more direction and depth after I read it the first time, and now as I read it again, it’s a reminder that I know absolutely nothing despite my efforts, and to continue the endless amount of learning, tasting and visiting the wineries whenever I can (and in moderation, of course!).
I’m well into Bianca’s new book, Picture Perfect, and it’s a joyful, insightful read and a real peek into the contemporary art world. Extra points for being mostly NYC based, so far. My main take away is that gaining context from the artist’s background, and understanding the idea behind the actual execution of the painting, connects you to a deeper understanding and appreciation of the artwork. Sounds so simple, right? Sometimes I do this, and oftentimes I don’t give the art a chance if it doesn’t immediately captivate me…..….

Braving the cold for a fantastic event

A crucial source of joy this winter: hibernation.
When I do emerge from my coccoon, it has to be for something or someone really terrific😂. It was FRIGID on the evening of this discussion, but I’m so glad I went and the wine provided by The Vines of Mendoza, kept us warm🦋
I’m in the process of reading Ray Isle’s book, and there are so many wonderful vineyards to visit and wines to try!

Perfect Pairings

Reading physical books is so satisfying compared to reading on a device. 
My latest read is a memoir by Natalie Maclean.
Natalie is a successful businesswoman and award winning writer and wine expert, navigating the male dominated wine industry (in Canada). She unknowingly makes a big mistake and the backlash that comes her way is unecessarily abusive and it is masongenistic. She’s also going through a divorce and her wine consumption is increasing as the stress piles on. 
It’s an interesting read and I enjoy how she incorporates her passion for food and wine into her story, and intertwines her personal and professional lives. She evaluates, evolves and course corrects. As we must do:)!
I discovered Natalie through listening to her fabulous podcast called, Unreserved Wine Talk.
The book must be paired with a pinot noir, one of Natalie’s favorite grapes.
My favorite pinot noir at the moment is by Sophie James.
I’m obsessed with this woman owned and run winery’s attention to detail both in the physical packaging of their wines and their quality and respect for low intervention, organic winemaking. Also their just plain delicious!