Divertimenti
thought you could use a little distraction right about now
Welcome to another edition of E-Musings! The eclectic offerings include music (both beautiful and a little silly), some gorgeous (yes!) sea slugs, Brian Doyle’s wonderful tribute to his dad, our favorite restaurants of the past year, and the real meaning of “comp”…fill your head with some cheerful stuff this week!
MUSIC: RAY CHEN PERFORMING VIVALDI’S “SUMMER” FROM THE FOUR SEASONS
Ray Chen is an amazing violinist. When he was competing for the prestigious Queen Elisabeth Prize back in 2009 (which he won), one of the pieces he played in the semifinal round was “Night” for solo violin—written by Sheridan! Here Ray performs some Vivaldi…
MUSIC: SALUT SALON “COMPETITIVE FOURSOME”
And now the super talented and funny Salut Salon’s version of the same piece (plus a couple of others). Enjoy!
CURIOSITIES OF THE SEA: NUDIBRANCHS
These adorable technicolor slugs (there’s a huge variety of shapes and hues) are found mostly in Australia. I am so delighted with them! Check out the fascinating article in Smithsonian magazine…
ESSAY: The Typewriter in the Basement by Brian Doyle
Readers of E-Musings are familiar with poet and essayist Brian Doyle, truly one of my favorite writers. Here is his really sweet essay about his own writer dad.
2024 RESTAURANT ROUND UP!
It was a great year to eat out!! Here are some highlights…
PASSERINE (LANCASTER, PA)
This little cafe in downtown Lancaster made the New York Times list of best US restaurants of 2024. Pictured: charred Jimmy Nardello peppers with stracciatella cheese, herb oil and mint…
JANSEN (PHILADELPHIA, PA)
Our choice for my birthday dinner this year, located just a few miles from us. A splurge, but so worth it! Pictured: chocolate LOVE cake (brownie / chocolate mousse / caramel bavarian / chocolate crumble)
NOPI (LONDON, ENGLAND)
The best meal of our UK trip, this is one of chef Yotam Ottolenghi’s fabulous restaurants (I’ve been cooking from his recipes for years) Pictured: rhubarb meringue, yogurt cream, stem ginger and bee pollen pudding
BACK PORCH CAFE (REHOBOTH BEACH, DE)
We’ve been coming to Back Porch for 41 summers now, and the stellar quality of the food has never changed. Pictured: our lovely daughter-in-law-to-be Ashlyn, grilled dayboat scallops with trumpet mushroom risotto
FAUSTO (BROOKLYN, NY)
Steve’s birthday dinner! Delicious Italian food in the Flatbush neighborhood. Julie, Gil, Rose, and Amrit treated the birthday boy (and me). Pictured: Stevo and his orange olive oil cake, and the revelers…
BLOG PREVIEW: INCOMPARABLE
Gee, I thought I knew what “comp” meant! I bet you thought you did, too!
INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE OF THE WEEK:
Let’s face it, friends, it’s a VERY curious world. Wishing you a diverting week of noticing the interesting things all around you!