I often think about the love letters that Victorian women used to write to their friends. The passions and adoration expressed for a love that is so very different from that of a romantic partner but oh so vital. Having been single for what feels like a lifetime, I have found endless affection and companionship within my female friendships. The love of which has gotten me through wildly contrasting times, chapters of utter elation and blackened pools of sorrow. I have women in my life who have seen me through countless versions of myself (some of which we should all like to forget.) Women who I have laughed with until tears stream down our faces, cheeks sore from unbridled smiles. Women who have watched me grieve and who have picked me up when I could not do so for myself. It is the power and love of these women who I owe a depth of gratitude to, the reason I have grown into this version of myself. The version I am most proud of. And to celebrate them is such an effortless venture. So it seems only right that for Valentine’s day, I turn to the true loves of my life for an evening of much needed platonic romance and absolute effervescence. 

Delivery pizza. A classic, time honored tradition. And one that has luckily improved with artisan pizza joints and creative toppings that leave you wondering how you ever managed to enjoy pizza without truffle honey. But before we get into my current version of delivery, let us travel back and reflect, briefly, on the origins of pizza nights. For once upon a time, before endless delivery services existed, pizza delivery was basically the only delivery. Some 17 year old kid drove around with a light up box displaying a pizza company logo on the roof of a red Subaru hatchback and somehow managed to get to your house successfully without the aid of GPS all in hopes of some cash tips and a pizza of their own at the end of the night. It was a wild time. And it felt so very special. A movie, earlier in the day, carefully selected and rented from Hollywood Video, slices of greasy pepperoni pizza served on colorful melamine plates and a bowl of air-popped popcorn… nothing was better. It felt like such a treat. I loved pizza night.

A night fit for Mamie Fish and the legendary 400 of New York’s Gilded Age. This feast with its perfectly roasted prime rib, towers of brussels sprouts and a sparkling croquembouche, rivals the lore of Thanksgiving at the distinguished Delmonico's.

An inspired evening in the woods. Bring a bit of whimsy and wonder to your Thanksgiving feast with a table set in the forest and a scene just waiting for little woodland guests to pop by. Let your imagination take over this holiday season… Who says your traditions have to be traditional?

With a hearty chicken pot pie, velvety mashed potatoes, honeyed green beans and caramel apple tartelettes, the table is perfectly set for an autumnal comfort food feast.

A high/low affair made possible by a gilded tablescape and my favorite delivery app.

A night of made (wo)men, an amazing Italian inspired feast and too much wine. - I have never laughed so hard.

There is something so special about the night air at the height of summer.

Al fresco dining is the epitome of summer for me.