things to do

go, see, do.

Urban Foraging

11/03/2011 | 5 Comments | Topics: food., frolics., things to do

I went on an urban foraging tour in the middle of September, and thought I would share with you some of my ‘field notes.’ My interest in foraging continues to grow, so when I noticed an informal tour/gathering for urban foraging in my neighborhood—I didn’t hesitate to sign up. It is true that some berries and leaves are poisonous… which means I aim to learn this with caution… [more]

Thank you DaVinci Wine: of COURSE I WILL COME TO ITALY!!

06/22/2011 | 19 Comments | Topics: places to go, things to do, wine

Today DaVinci wine announced the four winners of their Storyteller Contest; winners will travel to Vinci, Italy, for a week in July to absorb every last detail of Vinci: the people, culture and [wine] cooperative—and to sip countless drops of DaVinci wines. I am humbled, in awe and BEYOND TALK that I have been CHOSEN TO GO TO VINCI, ITALY—courtesy of DaVinci Wines. Please go and say thank… [more]

Foodbuzz 24×24: Returning to America

06/27/2010 | 7 Comments | Topics: menus, things to do

We just returned from living abroad for one year—a family adventure that started with 4 bikes and a GPS and ended with Italian soccer and school. We cycled from Amsterdam to Paris, toured London, flew to Florence and settled in for the school year (where my sons age 13 and 14 attended an Italian school). We blogged all about it on www.familyfrolics.com. Since we sold… [more]

Foodbuzz 24, 24, 24: An Italian Affair—recipes and a glorious meal from an Italian farm kitchen

03/28/2010 | 14 Comments | Topics: Italian food, menus, things to do

Oh yes, I am having an affair with Italian food. Day by day, I am falling in love. I signed up to participate in Foodbuzz’ 24-24-24 and was selected. My theme: pure Italian food. Better said: all of the Italian I can possibly insert into one fantastic menu, an outpouring of all I have learned and experienced while living in Italy. Yes, I am living in Florence. Normally… [more]

Fuori TASTE event Florence, Italy (part 2)

03/22/2010 | 2 Comments | Topics: Italian food, things to do

fun facts & finds: into design as much as food? check out Sestini & Corti tomatoes! I told the gentleman I was from Seattle. He told me he sells his tomatoes in Seattle… had I heard of Sur la Table? um—yes! (still trying to find his direct website…) Easter bread by www.pasticceriafilippi.it (it is normal for it to be shaped like a dove). yummy fresh pasta… [more]

Fuori TASTE event Florence, Italy (part 1)

03/19/2010 | 3 Comments | Topics: Italian food, things to do

Extra points for effort: riding my rickety bike—with its dilapidated front-basket—across Florence. That was me this past Monday (March 15), on my way to the TASTE event in Florence. The 5th annual food event was a 3 day affair, full of newbies and icons of food. It included wines and oils, cheese and chocolate, jams, salamis, cookies and crackers, chutneys and pasta, tomato sauce and coffee. (I… [more]

shrimping?

05/13/2008 | 4 Comments | Topics: culinary school, food spotlight, food., frolics., things to do

I told you it was auction season, remember the year supply of dry sodas? Well, we get a kick out of picking one interesting item per auction, perhaps one with a story or experience. At a recent auction, I renewed our family pass to the Seattle Art Museum—which was brilliant timing as they just renovated a huge portion of the museum. It is gorgeous. At last year’s… [more]