Snail Approved!

Drawing about restaurants who choose to do things sustainably, healthfully and when possible source locally, is so gratifying. It’s amazing to dine at restaurants who have so much passion and dedication towards supporting our local farms, distilleries and vineyards. 
Featuring a few of my favorite restaurants who are “snail approved” through Slow Food New York, which means that I don’t have to work so hard to figure out their intentions because they are transparent about their sourcing and mission! 

The Perfect Snack

I had hardly any free time, and I promised myself that I’d make to Gjelina, at least for a snack. This was in 2015 or 16…way too long ago! I ordered the first thing that caught my eye, when literally everything sounded like the perfect bite. The roasted rainbow carrots with citrus and pepitas…and although my recall is fuzzy, I believe the deliciously creamy companion to these sweet little carrots was burrata…or was it yogurt? I think it was burrata? Either way it was perfection and I remember the vibrance of those California carrots and the natural sweetness and seasoned saltiness of it all. It was the beach, the ocean and the gorgeous day infused into the perfect plate. 
Somehow I missed a repeat visit to Gjelina, despite vowing to return ASAP to try as much as I could. And SOMEHOW I missed their short time in Noho. Unfortunately they had to close due to damage caused by a fire in the building. I’m relieved that they are able to recover and that they have plans to reopen…hope so!

Esty Street and the CocoTufo

Esty Street in Park Ridge, NJ highlights so many of the reasons why I love to dine out. It was one of the first special occasion restaurants that I was introduced to as a kid, and I enjoyed every iteration of it as it evolved into what it is now.
I can still taste the pineapple infused vodka, poured out of massive glass jars, each filled with a whole pineapple, when I could finally imbibe with my parents (LOL). That was a long time ago, but maybe they should consider bringing that back?🍍
It was and still is a big deal restaurant. The warm and inviting interior was designed by the fabulous Philip LaBossier. The food is super delicious, the staff is charming and passionate—you’ll leave happy and satisfied, and like you’ve found your place❤️.
Saving the best for last: dessert! If it’s homemade ice cream and involves a chocolate shell….I might just put my no sugar rule on brief hiatus. This dessert is outstanding. I’m sure all of their desserts are, but this is the one for me. It’s heavenly. It has texture and chewiness; it’s chocolaty and coconutty; it’s just sweet enough. They don’t smother their desserts in powdered sugar. I believe there’s a hint of salt in there —you’ll have to have a bite and let me know what you taste!

Little Luxuries - Froth it Yourself!

CHOCOLATE a lifetime love affair.
Specifically really dark chocolate which upgrades my morning coffee a dreamy café mocha.❤️
COFFEE An acquired taste that I didn’t truly appreciate until an Aussie friend called me out on my hazelnut coffee purchase from My Favorite Muffin one day. 
Thankfully I’ve picked up better coffee since (absolutely no offense to My Favorite Muffin’s products)! And now I enjoy my own coffee creations in the comfort of my home…or wherever I may be because I’ve got a range of ways to make coffee these days…along with my favorite kitchen accessory: the aerolatte frother! 

Love dining al fresco at Have & Meyer. My favorite plates? I have a long list. And the wine there is always memorable. They take such care to make a beautiful wining and dining experience.
Their staff loves to share the story behind the glass. Full disclosure: By the end of dinner, the story sometimes doesn’t stick bc the wine is SO good😬! I had a delicious timorasso last time I went. You’ll have to go there to hear the full scoop!
Every detail shows the passion they have for well sourced food and low intervention wine.
I could eat there daily—with a glass from their list, of course!
I forgot to mention the live band playing in the background. The best❤️

Fill Your Cup

©2023 Champlane
52 weeks of drawing something meaningful to me in some way, whether it was a sketch, a collage, a hand lettered word…and more than likely something that won’t see the light of day.
Finishing a drawing is something I struggle with; creating a story through a drawing…the biggest struggle; making something that isn’t hideous: will I ever feel adequate at this?Nothing ends up as whimsical as what I’ve created in my mind.
I used to put my pen to paper and couldn’t get a drawing started. Similar feeling to when I try to convey a sentiment and not one word comes out. Or total overwhelm. So I stopped drawing for years.
It’s so satisfying, despite feeling ridiculous, to share! I know I have to share in order to improve.
Starting out with a sketch is the first step for visualizing almost any project that I work on. Drawing feeds all other creative outlets and everything that I do more and more.
Hope this year you can figure out a way to intertwine what you love to do into your daily routine, or into your process…if you aren’t doing this already! All the Best!

Fall Favorites

Note to self: Please hop off of social…
Before the season slips away and holiday shopping begins; before I hibernate* and start complaining about the frigid temps; ENJOY one of the best times of the year!
*See illustration #3

Get your kids off sugar

It is a privilege to work on the logo for Get Your Kids Off Sugar and to contribute a tee shirt concept to this very important initiative!
If you are curious about what it means to be “sugar independent” or if your kids love their sugar on EVERYTHING and are feeling the effects, here is the Founder, Jennifer’ Sweenie’s information: getyourkidsoffsugar.com and while you’re on her websites, check out the tees I designed!