Belated Update - April 19, 2009

Well, I've not been a very good blogger of late. I'm so tardy in my updates.

Vicki came for her visit but I took very few photographs. Don't ask me why; I just didn't. We did, however, have a very good time.

On April 4, we brunched at Eden again, and again, it was great - mostly because our group is so dear. Here are Cindi Eades, Georgia Wright [seated], Molli Harris, Rose McElye [seated], Vicki and Danielle Gardner [seated]. Danielle, the consummate hostess, brought beautiful roses to adorn the table. We thought the roses would look good in our teeth, and so . . .



And here are Molli, Vicki, Rose, Cindi and Danielle as we leave. Not to worry, we're set to go back on May 3rd for another wonderful brunch. Yes, we're addicted to Eden.


While Vicki was here, we discovered a new [for us] burger joint - Stadium Cafe in Addison. Really great burgers with lots of Special Nights. Mondays, all burgers are $2.00, and on Wednesdays, all burgers are half price. Since we've give up on The Addison Point FOREVER, we will jump between Jake's and Stadium Cafe. I like SC more because you actually get a plate and cutlery. At Jake's, just a basket - eat your fries with your fingers. At SC you get a cloth napkin; Jake's gives you a role of paper towels. Jake's burgers are good but a little too greasy for my taste. I'll give a real review of SC the next time we go - hopefully, this Wednesday.

The Addison Point is off our dance card due to several reasons, two of which are: burgers have become tasteless and they appear to put another vodka in the Stoli bottle [confirmed by a former waitress we ran into]. We'd noticed a decline in the "regulars" and now know the reason why. Adios! Their new management sucks.

Vicki and I did some shopping, mostly for Josh, who turned ONE on 4.17. We watched several movies and just enjoyed being with each other.

On Easter, I made Beer Braised Beef [Steve proclaimed it as PERFECT]. I also made a sopapilla cheesecake [Wendy's recipe] which was so very good but so very, very rich.

A new grocery store opened in Plano: Market Street. It's terrific on so many levels. The staff is friendly, helpful and downright nice. There are no "cart return" slots in the parking lot. The bagger escorts you to your car and takes the cart back to the store. This frees up several parking spaces, lessens the risk of runaway carts banging into your car AND provides an escort to your car when it's dark or if you're alone. Service, service, service!!! After only two times in the store, the butcher remembered me! After several years of going to Tom Thumb, nada!!! Market Street is now MY grocery store - Jay likes it, too.

Today, while resting on my heating pad and with my back medication, I watched the HBO movie, Grey Gardens. WOW! Look for Emmys in September!

So, that's about it for now. I know; I know - boring!!!

But to whet your appetite, there just might be a rant in the near future.

Ciao for now.

March 8, 2009

This was the day we all lost an hour of sleep. I may have to rant about that on another post. In spite of that speedbump, we brunched at Eden again, and again it was wonderful. I wish more people would find this treasure. Today, we were joined by Susan Reno, a Paralegal at Strasburger. That's MOI, Susan and Molli. The dirty grey Camry is my baby who I failed to wash in order to get rain. Maybe I'll get it washed this week.


And here are Danielle, Susan and Molli. Molli looks terrific after her recent encounter with THE KNIFE and is returning to work on Monday.

Wendy was in Tennessee visiting family and friends and Rose was sick in bed. Hopefully, they'll be able to make our next brunch for which we are already scheduled - when Vicki is here.

After our wonderful brunch, Susan and I went downtown to the Majestic Theatre and saw The Rat Pack Live at the Sands. It was a blast from the past. I saw Sinatra in the late 70s at Ceasar's Palace and was moved to tears. No lie! He was stupendous.

In this production, Stephen Triffitt played Sinatra and he was very good but his voice was way too smooth. Very enjoyable, though, and he had the moves down.

David Hayes did a really good job playing Sammy; in fact, if you closed your eyes, you'd think it really was Sammy. He had a lot of Sammy's moves down and could dance a bit, but Sammy was tiny and this guy wasn't.

Mark Adams did a SPOT ON job playing Dean Martin. He sounded like him, moved like him and except for a larger nose, looked like him. And he drank like him. He was my favorite - can you tell? All in all, it was a terrific show. I would recommend it to locals but yesterday was the last day.

Well, that's it for now. I have an appointment with the dentist for a cleaning on Thursday but don't think that's blogable. Vicki will be arriving soon and that WILL be blogable.

Ciao for now, mi amici.

March 4, 2009 - Old Friend

I met a dear old friend in Fort Worth yesterday with very good intentions. I'd intended to take a picture of Lucille's Stateside Bistro, and I'd intended to have a wait person take a picture of Kendall and me for this very blog. However, I was so wrapped up in our three-hour game of "catch up" I entirely forgot. A senior moment? Nay, I call it catching up with an old, dear friend. It's been YEARS and we plan on getting together more than once every 20 years. And Kendall gets to select the spot next time!

It was so terrific seeing her again after all these years and she was so nice to agree to meet me at Lucille's. Steve [son] has raved about Lucille's lobster bisque for a few years now, so I wanted to try it. My mistake in ordering was that I only ordered a cup instead of a bowl - - or two. It was terrific! It had a bit of a kick to it but not too much - definitely not enough to lessen the yumminess of the lobster. I would like to get The Baguettes to try it. It would be a fun day. There are so many wonderful museums in Fort Worth - we could make a day of it - or even a weekend!

I vow [but remember I'm a SENIOR] to be more diligent in getting photos on his blog. And soon we'll have Central Daylight Time so I'll have more time outside! And I need to learn my new camera.

Ciao for now!

February 18, 2009

For several years, Steve and I have celebrated our February birthdays at very nice restaurants. Last year it was Morton's of Chicago which was fantastic on all aspects of the meal. Other dining establishments we've gone to are: Del Frisco, Smith & Wollensky, and Ruth's Chris. This year, we decided to try Old Warsaw, which has been serving European cuisine in Dallas for over 60 years.

Our dinner reservation was for 7:00 pm and we were precisely on time. We entered Old Warsaw and were greeted by a huge fish tank with a few fish swimming around. We were seated and noticed only one other couple in the entire room. Where was everyone? Has the economy driven the clientele away?

Cocktails were ordered and the martini I had was probably the best and biggest I've ever had. We all enjoyed our drinks.

The staff were all dressed in tuxedos. There was a pianist accompanied by a violinist. But where were the guests? Just one other couple.

Steve had the jumbo shrimp stuffed with crab as his appetizer. I had escargot. Both were wonderful. Here is Steve's appetizer.


Jay and Steve enjoyed Lobster Bisque which I didn't get to sample but they both liked it even though it was a little bland. Steve said Lucille's in Fort Worth has the best Lobster Bisque. Jay and I really like the Corn Crab Bisque at Portabello's in Carmel. We've decided to give Lucille's a try very soon.

Steve enjoyed the sauteed Halibut. I tasted it! Really good. Jay had a New York strip steak which he said was very good and without a bit of grissle. I had the Steak Diane which I haven't had in a very long time. It was very good and the portion was huge so the leftovers are now in my frige.

Just before dessert was served, another couple came in at about the same time the first "other couple" left. This was about 8:30 pm. They were seated and fawned over by three of the staff. Hmmm, were they "somebody?" Obviously they didn't like their booth and were quickly moved to another - one where he could watch the door. Hmmm.

Steve had the carrot cake for dessert. It was the flattest carrot cake I've/he's ever seen. Trulucks has a wonderful carrot cake and Steve said the one I made for Christmas was on a par with Trulucks.


Jay had a bit of the "birthday" cake they served Steve and me and he liked it.

I had a brandy alexander which was huge and I couldn't finish. [pardon the hair - it was very windy in Dallas yesterday]

So to critique Old Warsaw, we were of one mind. The food was very good; the service was outstanding [of course, no one was there]; and the prices were very reasonable. However, we'll not return. There was something missing! Oh, the people - where were they. Actually, as we were about to leave at 9:30 ish, a group of 4 or 5 entered. Very sad. I hope the place can survive.

But the highlight of the entire day was that I got to meet my new Granddog, Zoe. She's just adorable, and she liked my twirly skirt.


Steve, Jay and I decided to try The Mansion next - maybe when Vicki visits. Steve was there not too long ago and raved about it. It's another FINE dining establishment in Dallas. However, next year for our birthday celebration, we're determined to go to a place with a little more life in it.

Until next post, Ciao!

Being Green is a Very Good Thing - Easiest way to make a difference. No phone books!

With the advent of PDAs and their increased use. Do we really need those phone books? A small percentage? Yes. The rest of us? No.

Here's a nifty idea.

Cancel Your Phone Book!!!

That's right. Millions of phone books hit American doorsteps unsolicited every year, to the tune of more than 19 million trees. If you don't want yours, join the 10,000+ already saying "no thanks" at the new www.yellowpagesgoesgreen.org (click on Opt Out).

Happy 94th Birthday Anthony Giuseffi

On January 31, 2009, Anthony Giuseffi celebrated his 94th birthday. He is the very proud father of Gail, Claire, Jeri, Jim and Tom. And he the extremely proud grandfather of several grandchildren. His very most extremely proudest things are his great grandchildren. Here are two of his very most favorite great grandchildren:

Here is Joshua James son of Tony's grandson Matt [who is also very cool]. Josh will be a year old on April 17. Josh has a new tooth and is awfully proud of it.



Of course, Laura Marie Giuseffi is the apple of PopPop's eye. She's going to be three on February 27 and is one of the very most amazing kiddos I've ever seen. Laura is probably the best big sister a little brother could have.

Just look at her smile! Look at those dimples. Look at the love PopPop has for her.

My sister Vicki [Laura's paternal grandmother] and I married cousins so PopPop is, and always will be, Uncle Tony to me. The Giuseffi's are a truly wonderful family and while I'm just on the fringe, it's a great place to be.

Happy Birthday, Uncle Tony! With love from Sharon and Steve.

February 1, 2009 Super Bowl Sunday - Who Cares?

Here we are again at Eden Cafe at 4416 W. Lovers Lane in Dallas. We LOVE this place for brunch on Sunday. We [The Baguettes] have been here a time or two for Sunday Brunch and definitely plan on trying the dinner menu.

Today, we're belatedly celebrating Molli's birthday. Molli is the last of a particular group who turned a certain age in 2008. Some of us are now on Medicare!! Get it? Molli's birthday is actually in December and she's the last of several of us who were born in 1943. However, in December the calendars of all of us fill up way too quickly and Molli is usually out of town visiting her Mom or her wonderful grandchildren. So today is Molli's celebration. And she's a PEACH.

Eden is a BYOB place which makes it nice for all of us to bring our favorite wines to share. Danielle brings a wonderful Tattinger Champagne and we toast Molli.


Here is Danielle who assures all of us that the champagne is as always wonderful.


Wendy has been out of pocket for some time but joins us today and will really like the fact that Karen Kahn, the Chef, has several pastry specialties. Yes, it's got to be said - Wendy does have a bit of a sweet tooth.



Sharon a/k/a Sash certainly enjoys the bubbly.

Here we all are: Wendy, Danielle, Moi and Molli. Rose, who is a founding member of the Baguettes, is unable to join us today due to a trip to Arkansas to visit family.

Cameron has been our server each time we've brunched here and is just THE BEST. He's so much fun and so very knowledgeable about all sorts of things.

Now, let's get down to the food offerings.
The fruit plate is fresh and just delish!


Mollie had Eggs Benedict [which I had last time] and they were great. Wendy had Eggs Sardou and she seemed to enjoy the heck out of them. They were gone before I could snap a picture. Danielle and I had the tenderloin omelets which were just yummy. The potatoes served with each dish, while loaded with carbs, were GREAT.


Wendy, Danielle and Molli enjoy the pre-dessert wine. Danielle brought a great Rodney Strong Chard and I brought Newman's Own Chard.

Danielle had a German chocolate cake which she said was better than anything she's had in 1,000 years. She certainly doesn't look OR act that old!!!

I was FORCED to have the raspberry tart. YUMMO. Wendy and Molli shared one but I was up to the task and ate the whole thing.

Karen Kahn, the chef and owner, visited with us. She's just terrific. She is dedicated to serving the freshest and best items available.


Anyone in the Dallas area should visit Eden. Check out the menu at: www.eden-dallas.com

Oh and as an aside, Danielle and I saw Slumdog Millionaire yesterday. It was great. It's won a couple of Best Picture/Cast awards and is nominated for an Oscar. It's well worth seeing. I am even willing to see it again.

But in any case, definitely visit Eden Cafe on Lovers Lane in Dallas. Really terrific.

Ciao for now. Tune in soon as Steve has a new pup, Zoe, and we have February birthdays coming up.