Happy Anniversary Five!

Happy Anniversary Five!

To celebrate, we are going to be hosting five fantastic giveaways over the next five weeks.  We'll be rolling out a new list of sponsors with special discounts and five guest contributors.

So stay tuned!  From weddings to wettings (Princess H potty training is still in progress), schooling to surgeries, crafting to cooking, music to madness and everything before, after and in between, It's going to be an exciting few weeks here on FIVE!!

Thank you for joining us for some part or all of this year and hopefully, for years to come!

I Couldn't Resist. . .

 

Just a few more shots from Wednesday (how could I have pictures with Jessie Norman, Joshua Bell, a robot, Steve Martin, and the voice of God (a.k.a. Morgan Freeman) without sharing them?)

Farm Tour!

Fall is kind of my favorite. Crisp weather, chunky sweaters, changing leaves, apple cider, carved pumpkins, colorful tights, and pecan pies are just some of the things that make this time of year so enchanting. Five and I were able to experience some of these delights when we went on a tour of some Connecticut farms last week. 

Oops!

Premiering: Two

Two, accompanied by the Julliard Symphony Orchestra, debuting at Lincoln Center

^This wasn't what she sang,

but it sums up my feelings superbly. . .

(especially the part about still anticipating looooove)

(bum bum bum bum)

Consider the Cheese-Steak

Fact: I was almost named Philadelphia.

Saturday was my birthday (as some of you may have seen), and Dr. P celebrated it by spiriting me away to Philly for a day of phun, phood, and phine art.  I've been to the land of the liberty bell a couple of times now, and I've gotta say, I find it fan-freaking-tastic.

The city itself is much like the sandwich that bears its name.  The cheese-steak:  The heart of the dish is the steak, and steak is pretty classy stuff from what I hear, but then they smother this classy core in the ghetto-delicious that is cheese-wiz before tucking it into a long roll which is delivered for you to adorn with the condiments of your choosing.   Philly for its part has lot of new world elegance to it.  It is the cradle of our nation, and the streets and structures reflect that.  But anyone who has been there can tell you that Philly's also got its own wiz goin on.  The bread is in the location, so convenient to so many places people want to go, whether it be DC, NYC, Baltimore, or even the Jersey Shore.  But the real beauty of the city is not in the parts, you have to accept that it's a cheese-steak, which is to say you have to enjoy it whole.  If you eat a cheese-steak expecting just steak, you'll be disappointed and confused. But if you sink your teeth in--and maybe even add some relish and hot sauce--there's a good chance you'll become addicted.

*I'm currently on a train to NYC, and the internet gods are not cooperating with my attempts to upload pictures, so they'll be coming later. 

i am pretty sure someone is listening to all of the prayers.Thank you and I will continue to gratefully take any and all I can get. You are wonderful and thank you!

Things to EAT in Denver

Sometimes people ask me for travel tips on places I've lived or spent a lot of time.  The most recent place I've gotten questions about is Denver.  So here is my travel guide to Denver and Colorado surroundings.

Where to eat in Denver... 

Where to eat on the cheap: My favorite Mexican place, La Casita has some of the best green chili you will ever try and the tamales are some of the best in the country.  Even more exciting, a smothered bean burrito with all of the fixings will cost you less than 5 bucks.  A must visit.  Rosa Linda's is another of my other favorites.  Try their cactus burrito.  It's absolutely different and delicious!  Tocabe is a fast, tastey take on American Indian food.  With options from buffalo tacos, medicine wheel nachos and Indian fry bread desserts, it won't be the lowest cholesterol meal you've ever had, but the ingredients are fresh and it's darn good food. For a western, crazy and gourmet take on a hotdog, hit up Jim Baker's Hot Dog Stand. You'll find things like rattlesnake, pheasant, bison and elk dogs.  Bring your camera to Little Man Ice Cream.  Not only do they have fantastic, off kilter flavors that change every day (from Chocolate and Ginger Sorbet, to Salted Caramel Pecan, Mexican Chocolate, Butterfinger Fudge and blueberry cinnamon -- it tastes just like blueberry pie) and make on site cones, they are located in a giant milk tin.  How cool is that?  

Where to eat on the medium: First, Parisi's is a fantastic Italian Deli.  Their foccacia sandwiches are outrageously good as is their gnocchi and most everything else on the menu.  They also have a fine dining establishment downstairs.  I am pretty happy with their deli food, but I have heard it too is excellent.   Swing Thai has a sumptuous green curry and the nummiest, savory sweet mango sticky rice I've ever had. I also love their tofu in special garlic sauce.  They are a local chain, so you can find them if different places around the city.  If you want some exquisite bites with a western flare, I would hit The Squeaky Bean. I am proud to say I found it before The New York Times did.  Also, not to be forgotten are BANG! really good spins on classic American faire, and Julia Blackbird, with modern New Mexican faire and one of my all time favorites.  Try the stuffed acorn squash with red chili or the chili rejenos with three kinds of goat cheese.  SO good.

Pricier faire: One of my favorites is Highland Garden Cafe. It's in two hundred+ year old victorian homes, the food is as lovely as the ambiance.  The menu changes daily, but their bread pudding doesn't and it is literally the best I have ever had.  I could drink their caramel sauce.  Z Cuisine is another spot that will not disappoint.  Really, one of the best restaurants in the country.   

NEXT TIME... The SITES!!