Making Vietnamese Spring Rolls...moi in the kitchen!

Today, I was called in the kitchen. That was not the best day in terms of dress code (high heels, suit and turtleneck) but well, how many customers get food catered by a well dressed French woman?? So I did answer during my interview "that I know food well" well may be not the Vietnamese Spring Rolls: this was not difficult to roll and shape, it was the texture. But you can judge by the results. Brooks "my kitchen boss" told me I did very well. This is the part of the job I was not expecting but at this point, I am here to help even in the kitchen. So Joseph, one of my favourites head cooks called me later on to see how tofu is getting "smoked!" Email me if you need the techniques. Got it all figured out!

How to stay slim? MY TRICK.

This morning I felt like wearing a suit I have had in my closet for 20 years or so. Well, you believe it or not...it fits! So my only advice for all of you trying to lose weight, DON'T EVER BUY bigger clothes. Tempting (we all know) but not great for your waistline or wallet by the way. I have been wearing the same size for 21 years! This is the ONLY trick I can give you because dieting, nutritious food and other tricks, you all know about.

Michelle O's yellow outfit

I watched the inauguration and heard non-stop comments about our new first lady fashion. Now did you know that Jackie Kennedy spent $60,000 or so on her dress during the inauguration ball? Mrs. Reagan 35,000. Mrs Clinton 25,000 and Mrs. Bush 40,000. So now do you know how much Michelle spent: $1,200!!! this is my girl. And I know all the French designers criticized her outfit...do you know why: because it was not theirs! Now you like it or not, she is lucky she is tall and can wear almost anything she wishes!! In time of difficulties, our new first lady is showing us she is not a big spender and we love her just for that!

The life of a wedding cake: before and after...

This was just fun to watch!

Obama is not a magician!

This is the day after...NOW are you like most Americans expecting all problems to be solved. We did not elect Samantha from Bewitched. We elected a regular human being who is going to lead us but at one condition: that we all put our 2-cents into this game.This is fair. Obama is an inspiration for all of us. IF he can do it, anyone can do it. So au travail! Let's go to work!

A message from Michelle Obama....to me... and my answer to Michelle.

"Simone --
One week from today, on January 19th, Barack and I will join thousands of people all across the country for an extraordinary day of service. I recorded a short video to tell you more about this important effort. Please take a minute to watch it and sign up to host or attend a service event near you. Volunteers of all ages and backgrounds are committing to renew America together, one community at a time.
Whatever service activity you organize or take part in -- cleaning up a park, giving blood, volunteering at a homeless shelter, or mentoring an at-risk youth -- you can help start this important journey. But this is about more than just a single day of service, it's the beginning of ongoing commitment to your community. Monday, January 19th, is also Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Dr. King taught us to live a life of service, and he led by example. He once said: "If you want to be important -- wonderful. If you want to be recognized -- wonderful. If you want to be great -- wonderful. But, recognize that he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. That's a new definition of greatness." Barack and I will be volunteering in Washington, D.C., our new home. I hope you'll join us by taking part in this national call to service in your community: http://www.USAservice.org/calltoservice
It will take ordinary citizens working together with a common purpose to get this country back on track. This national day of service is an important first step in our continuing commitment. Now is the time to remind all Americans what ordinary people can accomplish when we stand together.
Thank you,
Michelle"

Woahh no First lady ever sent me a message! So here is my answer.

Dear Michelle:
Thank you for your message. I appreciate your thinking of me as you must be so busy while packing to move in your new home. Incidentally we are trying to move to..Sausalito. Not exactly the White House area but moving is moving don't we know that. I would have loved to volunteer but I HAVE TO WORK. On that day, we have 4 events and all of them are linked to Pre Inauguration parties. So you see, I will be with you and Barak at heart, working hard on that day. Now Ava will be volunteering. So don't worry the Josephs will be represented.
Stay in touch, I am jealous: you are the first lady, I am not ; -)

A wonderful scent...

Jo Malone. No it is not an Al Capone family member but this new line of perfumes from London. I wish I could be their representative. I will be rich!

A FEW GREAT RECIPES...

Chicken with artichokes – From our kitchen to yours!
Sautee your pieces of chicken in some olive oil. Add one chopped onion, then when brown, add some chopped parsley. Then add 3 medium size chopped tomatoes, 1 tablespoon of turmeric. Then add one package of frozen artichokes hearts and let simmer until well done. I serve with Basmati rice and a salad. My mother used to make a similar version “Estoufado”



The best omelette on the planet
For 4 people, 6 eggs, 2 stale slices of white bread wet then squeeze the liquid out, 3 tbsp on chopped parsley, 1 medium chopped onion, a few drop of hot sauce (Louisiana hot sauce or 1 tbsp of harissa), 2 garlic cloves chopped. Mix all. Put in hot oil. Let it cook on one side, then the other. This is a terrific tasted omelette!

Have you ever fought with a Rabbi?

Well I did not expect to fight meet or even talk to any rabbi when I went to the butcher today. I wanted to buy 2 barbecued chickens. When the cashier told me “46.00” for the 2 chickens, I asked him what was special about these chickens. From one thing to another, the “smart” Rabbi waiting in line (he actually looked scary, in black "rabbi uniform" deadlocks on each side behind his ears and his black hat. All looking grim), said “they are kosher” Duh..I am in a kosher butcher. Anyway, here is the conversation: “woah your prices went seriously up, two weeks ago, this chicken cost $9.99 a piece. What is going on?” Shopkeeper: “the fuel you know..” “Actually, the fuel went down. You need to give me a better reason” the Rabbi: “if you want cheap chicken go to Costco. They cost .69 cents a pound” Well my friend, did you know you got someone smarter than you. Me “well actually Safeway advertized for .19 cents this morning! But thanks anyway.” Now you are thinking, this is it. No the Rabbi went on “people buy cheap chickens and after that get salmonella. I know what I am talking about” Me” thanks I know a lot about chickens AND salmonella. I cook and by the way, I am in the food business” The Rabbi “I am a Doctor too, I know what I am talking about. A lot of people get sick eating badly cooked chicken” “Well I am a cook, I know too. Thanks for your advice” and I concluded after grabbing my bags, “stay in your synagogue, you might do a better job!” I did not hear his answer and guess what, I am glaaaad.

No Giorgio is not my new lover in New York...

Well. Did I create something or what? He is not my brother, he is not my lover, he is not my future husband. He is ONLY Giorgio as Giorgio ARMANI. Hello????

In the city that never sleeps: NEW YORK!

I was in New York for 10 days. Long time no...But imagine all we did and saw. Please don't look for the Statue of Liberty or the Empire State Building pictures, you will not find them on my blog.

We loved the name of the restaurant. Very Bombay I guess.

Now Mayor Bloomberg'car at the Trump Hotel. Eh eh, we did not know we had the same schedule...

GORGEOUS Or what???

Santa Claus' s car on Christmas Eve.

And the Hannukah car too...



We saw tons of things that tourists don't normally think of visiting: a Matsah factory. Yes! It is not Passover and Streitz is working around the clock already. And I even had a matsah coming out of the oven (I know matsah is not really a croissant or freshly baked bread)


And only in New York I guess...A triple baguette. I did not know there might be a double baguette.

And what about this sign found at Bergdof and Goodman?

What about the dogs? Ah yes offered for New Year's eve: Foie gras biscuits. I won't mind trying it..

Inspite of the crisis, OUR stock exchange was glorious.

Now look closely at the girl and what is behind her: BRAS!

In this bar, around 6 pm, in the meat packing district you go for a drink and you leave your bra after dancing on the counter. I thought that was very interesting..no wonder why Victoria Secret is still making tons of money.
And I leave the best for the end, it was a surprise but well, nice seeing you Giorgio! Arrivederci New York. Another time without this freezing cold.