Last week I got my Mr. Bento!  Today was the first day I brought him to work, and I'm totally in love.  Mr. Bento is a stainless container like a big thermos, but inside are 4 little containers.  One for soup, one for rice or something that doesn't spill, and 2 smaller ones.  also included is a handy-dandy case, and chopsticks!

Today's Menu:
plain yogurt with honey, and fresh figs
mixed greens and heirloom cherry tomatoes with balsamic olive and sesame oil dressing
pan seared salmon, roasted beets and sauteed beet greens
half of a juicy nectarine
dark chocolate gold coin.

I'm on a mission to make my lunch each day this week.  Here's to day ONE!

Here's a couple of spots where I'm getting my Mr. Bento inspiration:
http://www.flickr.com/groups/mrbento/pool/
http://www.cookingcute.com

I am leaving for my family reunion in about 10 hours, and I'm getting really nervous.  I should point out that 90% of my family lives in New England and I haven't seen a good chunk of them since 1982.   I think it was either I, or perhaps my mom, who gave the impression that I was quite a cook.  Now I'm on for coming up with a great dinner on saturday night for 12 people including 2 kids.

Ideas?  Suggestions?  It's kind of rainy in seattle right now, so I'm already thinking about yummy fall foods.  Usually for large gatherings I'll make some butternut squash ravioli, but I don't want it to be "the thing" that I make all the time.  Though, I make pack my pasta maker just in case.

Help!?

I'm totally in love with the Marimekko fabrics right now.  This design company was started by a husband and wife team in the early 1950's, but it feels so fresh and new.  i really love mid-century modern stuff, and I can't wait to make some new pillows out of this fabric.  Also, they've got a bunch of teflon/pvc coated fabric that would make for great aphrons, or shower curtains.  The only thing keeping me from buying the whole lot is the price per yard.



There are also I ton of other items like kitchen supplies, mugs, oh my!

http://www.finnstyle.com/marimekko.html

I should start by saying that I've never considered myself very photogenic. Usually I look like I'm in pain when I'm smiling. This photo was taken under the understanding that it was dark outside and the image probably wouldn't show up. I was in Walla Walla over Labor Day weekend enjoying a few wineries. On the last night we had dinner for 23 people inside the fermentation room at Va Piano Wineries. I helped make the lambchops which were cold smoked, dusted with ground pastachios and then wrapped in proscuitto and pan-fried. They tasted very yummy, but this course was probably number 7 in a 9 course meal, so I got a little distracted. Also, 20 people were drinking that night and we went through perhaps 70 bottles of wine, a case of budweiser (really, don't ask) and one bottle of tequila. Really, quite a fun time. If you look closely I have some un-named Red in my glass.