by Chrysa SmithAll this banter about WikiLeaks this past week has left me googling it all. Quite frankly, I don't get it.Some Aussie, who looks like he could be one of Carmen's gaunt, vampire characters (and not as hot as Becquer) has told our national 'secrets' to apparently anyone willing to listen. Is it dangerous? Is it detrimental? Is it classified? Is it a crime? Will someone get whacked? Or is it stuff [...]
by Chrysa Smith Whether you like Manhattan or not, you've got to admit, there's nothing quite like Christmas time in the city. Big decorated trees, with perfectly placed ornaments. Life-sized angels, snowflakes, packages. Glistening lights, the sounds of the Salvation Army bells, the smell of chestnuts actually roasting on an open fire-- and of course, those wonderful department store window displays.It used to be, that my long-time friend Carol, who worked down the [...]
by Chrysa Smith Earlier this fall, I went to market in NYC--Chelsea Market. A bit disappointed with the unusually small number of offerings for NY, I headed south last week---south to Philly. MaryFran came along for a day of urban therapy---leaving behind the homogeneous solitude of the burbs for the tastes, sounds and textures of Old World, Italian, South Philly. (Hey, what's it to you?)Imagine Philadelphia--the colonial city, almost a century ago. The [...]
by Chrysa SmithHey, get back in the kitchen and watch the turkey!!! But if you've got a couple minutes, check this out. Hope your dinner goes a bit smoother.Happy Thanksgiving.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9L3bGKlxzGE&feature=related
ADDENDUM: TRY THE WEGMAN'S YAM/APPLE/ALMOND CAKES----I SAMPLED THEM AFTER COOKING ON FRIDAY, AND THEY ARE ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS!!!!!by Chrysa Smith My mom and I have been reminiscing about the matriarchs of our family (God bless their souls).There was my shy grandmother Mary, in heels and an apron--always remembered for a rotisserie chicken in the oven and baked potatoes on top of the stove. Clare, with her perfume, jade jewelry, Lily of the Valley, cheesecake [...]
by Chrysa SmithI remember it very clearly.It was Christmas, 1982. And I had landed a very nice job right out of college. It was in the Film Industry in NYC and the CEO of our company invited several of us to lunch at 21. Now, back in the day, it was one of the most prestigious, high-brow eateries in the city. A distinguished brownstone, lined with those painted, concrete jockeys carrying lanterns, it [...]
by Chrysa Smith In the mood for a little Puccini, Rossini, Bellini?Then head to Victor's Cafe in South Philly, where 'Authentic Italian' is served up-- both in food and song.That's right---singing waiters. But not just any singing waiters---- opera singers. Beginning at 5pm, this South Philly daily tradition begins. As I remember it, a bell will ring (like in church) to call your attention and quiet you down. Then the entertainment begins--and it's [...]
