CREATING AN HEIRLOOM? - PICK A STATE - ANY STATE

ALASKA CUTTING BOARD $48.00 - AHEIRLOOMOne of the biggest challenges we all face when buying a gift for a loved one, what to get someone who has everything.   Let's face it, most of us don't need much.   Finding a gift that is unique and useful - that's a challenge.  Happy to report - I've got one for you.   I recently met two NY based makers that create one of the coolest gift items I've seen in a while.  A group of unique brands was brought together by Martha Stewart at her American Made Market at New York's Grand Central Station. 

AHEIRLOOM State Shaped Cutting Boards created by the husband and wife team of TEXAS CUTTING BOARD - $48.00 - AHEIRLOOMAmy Stringer-Mowat and Bill Mowat are a gift you can send to anyone and everyone.   Some states are almost square making them super useful in the kitchen.   Some states have really crazy shapes, making the cutting boards an awesome conversation piece.  All can used to display cheese or other snacks for a sure fire way to get a smile from every guest. COLORADO CUTTINB BOARD - $48.00 - AHEIRLOOM (Hang one on the wall for an excellent reminder of home - even if you live cross country or across the globe).   All the boards are made from sustainable bamboo, and each is made to order.  Hello corporate gifts?SWEET & SAVORY GIFT COMBO- CHOOSE YOUR STATE - $90.00 - AHEIRLOOM   UNITED STATES CUTTING BOARD - $48.00 - AHEIRLOOM Help support Made in America brands like Aheirloom, they're making a difference every day of the year.  

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SCALLOPS IN THE WINDY CITY

RL RESTAURANT - CHICAGOWhile the weather outside is still frightful - I'm dreaming of a dish that is delightful!!  On a recent trip to Chicago I found a pleasant surprise in an unexpected venue.   First I must say - I LOVE Chicago.   As a native New Yorker, I'm always suspect of any city, but especially one known as "The Second City".   Well in the food department - Chicago is second to none.   There are so many terrific restaurants offering modern, delicious fare - you would have to visit very often to hit the best spots in town.  On this trip I finally made a reservation for the one spot that I had avoided time and again.  RL.    Now to be clear - I love Ralph Lauren and I'm a huge fan of everything Polo,Lauren, and just about anything with that polo playing logo.   However, with all the great restaurants in town I never felt the need to also eat at Ralph's restaurant - RL.    Then one day I realized, if it's good enough for Oprah (a regular), how can I not give it a try.   I'm glad I did.   The decor is comfortable with a very American brasserie /GRILLED SEA SCALLOPS - RL RESTAURANT - CHICAGO country club feel.   Think stuffed leather club chairs and wood paneled walls.    

I'm a sucker for scallops so when I saw grilled Sea Scallops on the menu, I couldn't resist.   The photo says it all.  They were just tender enough, just grilled enough, with a slightly spicy, tangy, crust.    After a long day of work, this plate of scallops with my favorite cocktail - was just what the doctor ordered.  

If you visit Chicago, RL is a great place to have lunch or dinner.   Sunday brunch is also an institution.   Have your hotel make reservations to ensure a great table!  Also, for the chocolate lovers out there - Valerie Beck's chocolate tour is NOT to be missed.  Ms. Beck is the founder of Chicago Choclate Tours, and she will take you to the most decadent, delicious purveyors of all things chocolate that fill the city! (Who knew?).   click coo coo for Coco to learn more!

A BELGIAN COMMUNITY AT A CAFE NEAR YOU

DELICIOUS BAKED BREAD AT LE PAIN QUOTIDIENIf you spend any amount of time in home furnishing stores or gourmet coffee cafes then you have felt the latest trend in interior design.  Possibly, you've enjoyed this phenomenon without knowing.   White washed pine furniture sound familiar?  Heavy linen upholstery and slip-covers ring a bell?  The knotty pine communal farm tables have taken the U.S. by storm.   Two companies were ahead of the trend, and actually helped create the trend.  COMMUNAL PINE TABLE AT LE PAIN QUOTIDIENRestoration Hardware & Le Pain Quotidien.

The West coast lifestyle home furnishing haven - Restoration Hardware has reset the bar for interior designers from coast to coast.   What once took tens of thousands of dollars to acquire items at auction all over Europe, can now be found for a few thousand dollars at a mall near you.   If you haven't been to a mall recently, undoubtedly you have been besieged by catalogs the size of phone books from the newly rebranded RH. 

Le Pain Quotidien also achieved success through furnishing - despite the fact that they don't sell furniture.  That's right, this Belgian baker of daily bread, pastries, and brewers of delicious coffee has changed the way Americans spend time in cafes.   What was once relegated to the Amish in Pennsylvania, has found it's way all over the United States.  Get a little friendly at Le Pain Quotidien.  The hazelnut spread will break any diet, and put a smile on your face.  The cafes have become the organic feeling alternative to Starbucks for some.  

To see more Belgian influence click - BELGO