Best of the Best

When I’m looking for the best of the best for Mr. Porter, one place I like to go to is the Robb Report online.

It’s a great source for all things new & noteworthy especially for men with great style!

Tonight I was looking at the Robb Report’s The Best of the Best 2011 for advice on picking the best cigars. On occasions when the MR. is allll relaxed & enjoying a late evening out on the patio with friends, he loves to enjoy a really good cigar.

Shhhhh…..I want to surprise him to celebrate a recent accomplishment. Padron Family reserve No. 46 might be just perfect!  Hmmm, natural or Maduro?

Now, look at who else I found relaxing on the patio.

The incredibly talented outdoor furniture designer Richard Frinier and his Drift Collection. 

What a perfect combination.  I think the only thing missing from this fabulous setting is the MR. & Me, good friends, and the Padrons!

These beautiful sectional lounge chairs, matching ottomans, and cocktail tables also from Richard Frinier’s Drift Collection are produced from plantation-grown and weathered teak. 

I first wrote about Richard & his wife Catherine here.  Catherine Frinier is principal and managing partner of  FrinierAtelier and the Richard Frinier Collection.

Like I said, the best of the best!

Just one more new & noteworthy mention.

There is another MR. PORTER!

A fabulous website!

I loved reading The Report: High Flyers about ABC’s new show, Pan Am.

Grab your Samsonite & your Ray-Ban’s and before you go, enjoy Mr. Porter’s very swell video!

Exotic & Homegrown

I have the pleasure of tending to my neighbor's vegetable garden for a couple of weeks while they're off to some exotic destination. 

I asked them not to tell us where they were headed to. 

You see, it's just the two of them & adventure is their middle name.

  When they return we will plan a special evening, prepare a special meal in their honor...from their garden, open good wine, and sit on the edges of our seats.  Our kids will even want to join us.

Yes, they take those kinds of adventures.

 

 

Did you think I would go & pick vegetables without my camera?

 

   

Probably the most convincing reason to have a vegetable garden is a homegrown tomato.

  
  Some still green on the vine were too pretty not to pick.    

 All organic so a quick rinse at my garden sink and onto tea towels to dry made prep simple.

 The quintessential summer repast.

Slice thick slices of these red beauties, slather mayonnaise on a crunchy soft roll, & season with sea salt and freshly ground pepper. 

Our friends are fabulous cooks so along with tomatoes there is fresh dill, basil, oregano, and chives.                  It's a quiet summer night at home in the Bluegrass & the air's incredibly still & heavy. 
   Meanwhile, you know who's waiting patiently on the front porch for a breeze & her after-dinner walk.   

Say goodnight Gracie.

"Goodnight Gracie."

Good Morning Santa Fe!

Make mine sunny side up!

On our recent trip to Santa Fe, my mother and daughter joined me every morning for breakfast on the patio at La Posada.

Yes, this is blog-worthy news. 

You see, my mother & daughter are not morning people, and the daughter doesn't generally do breakfast.

But, holy guacamole, get the girls on a little vacay and they rise & shine & dive right in!

On this particular morning, I went for the Huevos Rancheros and my Taylor enjoyed the Eggs Benedict, with milk, tea, oh & coffee too!

Melt in your mouth goodness on a blue corn tortilla.

Nana was smart and kept it light & healthy!

After all, we had a full day ahead...

Gallery hopping and fabulous shopping were at our beck and call.

On Canyon Road.    

Canyon Road in Santa Fe has over a hundred art galleries in a mile stretch.  These include world-class Native American, Contemporary, Historic, and Internationally recognized artists.  

Historic architecture, sculpture, and gardens oh my!  

Ok, and a little stalking did occur. 

  This little beauty was tucked behind the gallery where I discovered artist Lisa Linch.

Titles usually give insight into the artist's vision of a particular painting.

"Bridging the Divide"  Oil on Canvas 48x46

"Indian Summer"  Oil on Canvas  56x42

I just thought they were very pretty!

The garden next door at Patricia Carlisle Fine Art was also very pretty.

A perfect setting for the incredibly quiet bronze sculptures by

David Pearson. 

My favorite.

Serenity and peace in the garden made solid with such skilled hands.

 

I finally felt myself slowing down to Santa Fe speed.

My mother's favorite stop is always

Morning Star Gallery 

for antique Native American art.

She pulled up a chair and had a chat with the owner while Taylor and I had a look around.  Nana's been up & down this road many times! 

Ute Woman's Boots, Moccasins & Leggings
Circa 1880s

Classic native tanned hide with yellow ochre pigment and beaded panels.

 Just beautiful!

  Thought my son would appreciate this Alaskan Inuit Gut Parka.

Mid-20th-century classic pull-over style parka made of walrus/seal intestine and sewn with beach grass.

Cool! 

Hau, which means "hello"

is a greeting still used by the Sioux Indian today.

  Taylor was still outside loving every inch of this life-size bear.

He was really quite loveable in bronze,

all the way down to his massive paw!

Across Canyon Road we found

The Selby Fleetwood Gallery.  

An amazing sculpture that seemed to be catching the breeze, by

 Christina Chalmers.

Chalmers gives the formless form using materials in both an organic and intuitive way in each unique piece!

  There was more to enjoy out in the courtyard and garden.

A welcoming bronze on a pedestal and a life-size sweeping dress also by Christina Chalmers. 

There is so much to enjoy about Canyon Road. The art, the architecture, the gardens, and even the unexpected.

It's Santa Fe style at it's best.

all photos Lisa Porter