Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Twinkles


Twinkles loves to socialize for a good cause - luckily for him that’s an easy thing to do in Washington. On Thursday he headed to one of his favorite places in the city, The Mexican Cultural Institute, for a reception in honor of The Trust for the National Mall. The charming Mexican Ambassador and his wife are the honorary co-chairs of this year’s Ball on the Mall, thrown by the group’s young supporters, the L’Enfant Society. Twinkles loves all things Mexican, so he is hoping the gala fundraiser will have some Mexican touches. He did hear a rumor that there would be margaritas… He enjoyed various Mexican treats at the reception – the vegetable platter had jicama (which he loves but is too lazy to buy, peel and chop for himself), and, much to his delight, they actually had a vegetarian option on the platter of mini tamales (he really really loves tamales).


Saturday Twinkles went to one of his other favorite places in Washington, the Corcoran Gallery of Art, for the 1869 Society’s Artini. Twelve local mixologists took part in the month long event, creating cocktails inspired by works from the Corcoran’s current exhibition Turner to Cézanne: Masterpieces from the Davies Collection, National Museum of Wales. The drinks were (for the most part) rather tasty and wonderfully accessorized. The concoction from SEI came with an edible flower, the Tabard Inn’s with an absinthe meringue,


and PS7’s was adorned with cotton candy (inspired by Degas’ The Dance Class). As hard as it may be to believe, especially given the wide array of choices, Twinkles might just have had a few too many. When not sampling martinis he could be found gossiping with friends and dancing the night away to the music of DJ Chris Nitti. Needless to say he did not have too productive of a Sunday, but then again he’s gotten pretty used to that being the case.

Friday, March 26, 2010

Can Can


Can Can was also able to escape DC and join Champ for a few days in Mexico. Like Champ he thoroughly approved of Le Méridien Cancun, and took advantage of its many amenities (nothing like being welcomed with a mango smoothie!). He began his days with a perhaps too substantial breakfast – he couldn’t resist the fresh juices (watermelon, cantaloupe and papaya were his favorites), although sadly none of the Mexican treats were vegetarian (he consoled himself with French toast and made to order eggs). Indulgence was followed by a rest and then a workout (he needs to maintain his figure after all). But where Can Can spent most of his time was, of course, at the hotel’s Club Penguin. Who could ask for anything more?


Evenings were usually spent enjoying drinks on his room’s balcony, although he did break his routine and go out one night. Can Can is not one for drinks at cheesy beach bars, so he opted instead for cocktails at the Ritz. He enjoyed their fancier take on margaritas as well as some Mexican wine, while being entertained by a group singing a diverse mix of music (he particularly enjoyed their rendition of Material Girl). He considered getting up and dancing but figured it might not be the place to strut his stuff.


Unfortunately it was rainy and overcast one of his days there, so Can Can decided to escape the hotel zone and head into town. Downtown Cancun is not the loveliest of places, but he had no complaints as it has a Walmart, and he can never resist a trip there. It was much more festive than his local(ish) Walmart, with the makeshift taco restaurants and huts selling fresh coconut water just outside its doors. He was however reminded, while perusing the merchandise, that Mexico is not the most PC of places.


But, much to his delight, he discovered that it is a penguin loving country (Mexicans have such good taste).




Can Can decided to give the nearby Costco a miss (no room for bulk in his suitcase), and instead hit the huge mall Plaza Las Americas (what can he say, he’s a shopper). He was impressed by its fancy glass atrium and amused by its McCafé, where baristas serve customers at their tables and drinks come in proper coffee cups. After checking out every corner of the mall Can Can, thoroughly shopped out, decided to head back to his hotel


...just in time for cocktail hour!

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Champ


Champ is not really a beach kind of guy, but he knows that a relaxing beach holiday can be just what the doctor ordered. Getting up at 4:30 am for an early flight to Cancun (via Houston) is not, however, just what the doctor ordered. Champ does not enjoy getting up early, and he was reminded of how much he is not a fan of non-direct flights during his over two hour layover. That said, he was at least able to escape the teeming Texas airport crowds by ducking into the Continental lounge, where he noshed on some breakfast treats and read the paper.


The latter turned out to be a slightly disturbing experience when he came across the Belief section of The Houston Chronicle. At that point he really just believed it was time to get to Mexico.

After a long day of flights and the rather unpleasant arrivals section at the Cancun airport, Champ was happy to finally arrive at Le Méridien Cancun Resort and Spa. He loved the hotel – his room was big and comfy and the service was fabulous. It was also not overly beachy and, most important of all, it was free of spring breakers. After a brief rest he explored the hotel pool and beach area, and then headed out to see what was in the neighborhood. Champ was glad to be far away from the main Cancun mayhem, but at the same time close to two nice malls (what would a trip be without shopping?).


The closest, Luxury Avenue/KuKulcan Plaza, has a wide array of shops, and is apparently also a Safety Zone (Champ guesses this designation is about as effective as America’s Drug Free Zones).


The second, the amusing Plaza La Isla, is on the Nichupte Lagoon and was designed to have a Venetian feel. Champ wandered around La Isla, avoiding its American chains (as hard as it is to resist Hooters), opting instead to indulge at his favorite Mexican frozen yogurt chain, Nutrisa and peruse the clothing at the Spanish chain, Massimo Dutti (patronizing chains is much more acceptable if they are foreign).


Champ eventually made his back to the hotel to enjoy some wine and room service on his balcony overlooking the ocean (dinner including his favorite cake, tres leches, although he wasn’t too impressed that it was surrounded by Hershey’s syrup).


Being on holiday is just so hard.

Monday, March 15, 2010

Vin


Vin loves wine (who doesn’t), and is a great fan of dance, so he was more than happy to spend Friday night at the Washington Ballet Women’s Committee Noche de Bolero wine tasting. The festive Spanish themed event was held at the Meridian (always a lovely place to attend a party), and featured a selection of Spanish wines and sweet and savoury treats (he particularly liked the mini rice puddings).


There were also lots of fabulous silent auction items, although Vin got caught up in socializing and was outbid on everything (not a bad thing given that he still doesn’t have his eBay and Etsy habit under control). The evening also featured a Spanish guitarist, a flamenco performance and a live auction. Vin snuck out during the latter, making certain not to forget his party favor, a wine purse (the new it bag?) filled with goodies like ginger flavored vodka. He can’t wait to see the Washington Ballet's Bolero (+) in April!


It was a dance filled weekend for Vin; on Sunday he went to the Lansburgh Theatre to see the CityDance Ensemble’s Catalyst. The CityDance Ensemble is one of only a few full-time dance groups in Washington, and they performed Paul Taylor choreographed pieces as well as a work they will be officially premiering at the Ramallah Contemporary Dance Festival in Palestine.


Vin bumped into various friends at the performance, so he got some socializing in with his dose of culture. After the performance he made his way home for a cozy Sunday night in front of the fireplace. The gloomy rainy weather makes him ever so sleepy…luckily only a few more days until he escapes to Cancun for some sun (and tequila).

Monday, March 8, 2010

Snowy


Snowy may be a winter baby, but he has his limits. Even he is tired of the cold and snowy weather after the last storm. Like most area residents he is ready to welcome spring with open arms. He relished the weekend’s sunshine and warmer weather, and decided to make the most of it by escaping the city and visiting family in Fawn Lake.


Besides running errands (he never misses the chance to go to Walmart and Wegmans) he spent much of the weekend lazing about, enjoying the quiet and space (just what the doctor ordered). He also enjoyed numerous home cooked meals and decadent treats (not what the doctor ordered), and, because he doesn’t really have anything exciting to report, thought he would share a tasty family recipe with you instead.


Poppy Seed Chiffon Cake with Cream Cheese Icing

½ cup poppy seeds soaked in one cup water for about two hours
2 cups flour
1 ½ cups sugar
½ tsp salt
3 tsps baking powder
7 egg yolks
½ cup oil
1 tsp. vanilla

Heat oven to 325 F. Stir together flour, sugar, salt and baking powder. Make a well and add, in order, oil, egg yolks, vanilla and poppy mixture. Stir until smooth.

In another bowl, beat

7 egg whites
½ tsp cream tartar
½ tsp salt
½ tsp baking soda

When mixture has formed stiff peaks gradually pour egg yolk mixture over whites, folding until just blended. Pour into an ungreased 10 inch tube pan.
Bake about 75 minutes or until top springs back when touched lightly with finger. Invert tube pan on funnel; let hang until cake is completely cool. Frost with Cream Cheese Icing.

Cream Cheese Icing

Cream one package of cream cheese with half a stick unsalted butter. Add one teaspoon vanilla and 3 to 4 cups icing sugar (to taste) and mix.

Friday, March 5, 2010

Martha


Martha is a posh penguin who relishes the finer things in life. She very much enjoys dressing up for an elegant evening out on the town, and counts the National Gallery of Art’s receptions as amongst the most civilized events. She recently made her way there to attend a preview and reception for the exhibition From Impressionism to Modernism: The Chester Dale Collection. She has to admit she generally gets caught up socializing and doesn’t spend much time (if any) perusing the art (besides, she’s much more interested in the exhibition The Sacred Made Real: Spanish Painting and Sculpture, 1600-1700).


Martha had a lovely time catching up with friends in the West Building, which was decorated with the most beautiful flowers (if only she could have snuck out with one of the arrangements). She also rather enjoyed the mushroom bread pudding and desserts, although she should have been greedy and gone for the latter earlier rather than later, as the once attractive cakes were rather mangled by the time she got to them.


Martha’s love of fancy things and places does not, however, mean that she is overly prim and proper. She knows how to have fun and is a somewhat mischievous lass; she couldn’t resist playing with the creatures that inhabit her neighborhood as she made her way to Phillips After 5 Thursday evening.


She only stayed briefly at the event, quickly taking in the Georgia O’Keefe: Abstraction show. She decided to run before the crowds and men of a certain age who like to prey on women of a much younger age (and never miss a single event) arrived. What can she say, she didn’t want to take her chances…being a charming girl can be such a bother at times.

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Chippy


Chippy, ever so tired of the cold weather, thought February would be the perfect time to visit family in Jupiter, Florida. Unfortunately Mother Nature did not cooperate and he was forced to bundle up the whole trip (good thing he didn’t have his heart set on perfecting his tan). Weather aside, Chippy had a great time catching up with everybody. He knew there would be lots of hanging out over the weekend, so the first order of business upon arrival was to stock up on necessities (red, white and bubbly). Chippy was very happy to discover that one of his favorite stores, Total Wine, had made it to Florida, and he had a great time picking out a variety of beverages to sample.


The weekend was not, however, just spent drinking and eating. Chippy also made it to the Burt Reynolds and Friends Museum, which he had wanted to visit for some time.


The museum is jam packed with memorabilia, and he had a great time checking out the numerous old posters, movie props and photographs – his favorite was of Burt with the 90210 boys (Brandon, Dylan and Steve…David did not make the cut). He was also rather amused by the enthusiastic and knowledgeable volunteer, who clearly loves her hometown star.


Of course no trip to Florida would be complete without taking the kids to Dairy Queen for Blizzards, sundaes and other frozen treats. Chippy loves establishing traditions that revolve around his favorite soft serve establishment (and, not surprisingly, everybody is happy to oblige).


He is not, however, just about junk food and alcohol. Chippy is familiar with the food pyramid and knows the importance of getting his required daily servings of fruits and vegetables, so he was equally excited to pick up some very tasty locally grown strawberries.


I mean, what better to go with the Dairy Queen Oreo Blizzard cake they had purchased for dessert?