Yotam and Sami are coming to DC, the Pope

Friends, if you love Yotam Ottolenghi and his food as much as I do, check this out!!  On Monday, 10/21, at 600 I St, NW, "Yotam Ottolenghi—the owner of four London restaurants and a New York Times-bestselling author—alongside head chef Sami Tamimi will be in conversation with Joan Nathan." If you've seen/own the cookbook, Jerusalem, you'll recognize Sami Tamimi as its co-author. You can purchase tickets here. I will be there! This morning has been a lovely one. It's stunning outside, a glorious day that manages to feel both warm and cool and makes you think that fall weather is perfection. It just might be. Some of my lady pals came over for breakfast and tea, and after the hectic pace of the first few back-to-school weeks, it was a treat to just sit and talk and catch up and laugh. I meant to take a photo of the pumpkin loaf, but it's pretty much devoured, so...next time.

Who else thinks the new Pope is fabulous?! Especially in contrast to scary Benedict. I am not a Catholic, but I am loving Francis and frankly feel really glad for the church that he has arrived. I'm sure there are many Catholics that do not love his style, much less his recent, wonderful, delightful, it's-about-time commentary on the total "obsession" with gay marriage, abortion and birth control. But I think it's magnificent and hopefully it'll usher a sea change of modernity into an institution that really needs it. Yee-haw, Pope F!

I think I have to make the caramelized shallots now...

B.U.S.Y.

That stands for nothing mystical, secretive or cool. It's been another busy day, one that felt like four, and I'm now, just back from our second back to school night, groggily watching my hilarious cat bat a noisy, plastic ball around like he's a some sort of maniacal hockey player. It's infinitely amusing really. Between morning and late afternoon plans tomorrow, I hope to enjoy my silent kitchen and the simple act of culinary creation within it. I've recently remembered just how good Nancy Silverton's caramelized shallots are, and how many recipes in Yotam's Plenty and Jerusalem still call to me, flagged but then forgotten. Using a random $10 off coupon at Sur la Table yesterday, I treated myself a new tart pan; this one resembles an 8.5 x 11 sheet of paper with fluted sides. A fall tart sounds divine. So, I'll keep you posted, continue trying to read some, any, of the paper, trying to find slowness and even stillness where I can. Breathe in, breathe out. Whew.

Ode on Casa Noble Reposado

People, I am telling you what: I am exhausted this evening. The boys have talkedandtalkedandtalkedandtalked, and I'm fried. FRIED! As such, I have just poured a looooveely jigger(s) of my fave tequila, the Casa Noble Reposado, into an ice-filled rocks glass and topped it with simple syrup and a hefty dose of lime. Some mashed raspberries make for a nice and colorful addition. Concurrently, I have been inhaling guacamole and wheat thins (we have no chips), and attempting to read one freaking article from today's paper. Just one. I'm not asking for much. Dinner tonight is make-your-own or leftovers. And, scene.

Back with you tomorrow. Whew!