First of all, please pardon our absence. You can tell we had a lovely holiday season by the lack of posts. But we didn’t want to start off the new year by not sharing how amazingly our previous year had ended. That said, this ‘mix is a bit of Christmas and New Years all rolled in to one.

Joel and I were lucky enough to swing a last minute trip from London to Atlanta for Christmas. I was ecstatic to say the least. I really do love being home for Christmas – seeing family, the festive atmosphere, the brightly lit tree that is covered in ornaments that my mom has been collecting since before I was born, the cookie plates, Christmas beers, fireplace(s), delicious Cafe Martin meals, going shooting with my sister and her boyfriend and of course… SOPHIE TIME! I miss that little loaf so much it hurts. When will someone invent that machine that allows us to actually talk with our kids dogs? Or when will the British realize that my tiny Chihuahua is not going to harm their society. Anyhow, lucky Sophie spent a good 5 days strait in my arms which was still not enough.

After the (short but sweet) Christmas goodness of 2011, we headed back to London to celebrate our first New Years in the UK and await the arrival of Mr. Woody Batts, direct from NYC.

New Years was spent at a local restaurant, Bumpkin, where we ate local British foods, drank bottles of Prosecco, and popped traditional holiday crackers – Good times! After a brief sleep, we met Woody and went on our way exploring Notting Hill’s brunch scene, drinking way too much coffee, visiting museums, walking the city and eating many many more interesting meals. It was very nice to have a fellow New Yorker over, even for a short while.

*I realize this picture has nothing to do with Woody but I couldn’t not put it in, it is too sweet. And it was from Christmas*

And that takes us to where we are now; 2012! We are trying to pump ourselves up in regards to living in London. Finding some fantastic local beer has definitely helped (Kernel Brewery). I will be traveling a lot in the next couple of months but will keep the mixes up to date as much as possible.

Happy 2012!

Joel and I were lucky enough to spend 16 days in Paris before Christmas. Well, it was more like I was lucky enough to spend 16 days wondering Paris while Joel unfortunately had to work. But we did get to play together on the weekends! As expected from an artist and a baker, our trip was full of baguettes, ham & cheese sandwiches, macaroons, art, architecture and museums. The museums took up most of our free time as well as walks along the Seine River. Now, two weeks is a long time to talk about anywhere so here are some stand outs of the trip –

I discovered that Laduree isn’t the only macaroon on this Earth as previously thought. In fact, there is a distant cousin to Laduree called Pierre Hermes which I have fallen madly in love with (sorry Joel). Their macaroons were heavenly – delicate and impressive flavor combinations such as grapefruit and Campari, creme brûlée (!!!) and rose.

Paris is full of fantastic museums aside from the Louvre (not to say I didn’t spend a full day there), and I do believe I ventured to every single museum that Paris has to offer. The Louvre is always impressive and magnificent, but there are just so many lovely, smaller and less crowded museums scattered throughout Paris. My favorites this trip were the Le Petit Palace, Musee du Moyan Age, Musee d’Orsay and the Musee l’Orangerie. The last one, Musee l’Orangerie, had one of the more fantastic painting exhibits I’ve ever seen – Spain between two centuries from Zuloaga to Picasso (1890-1920). You can see some info on it here, although it’s from is different museum. The Musee d’Moyan Age has been preserved so well that they even have a Roman Bath from the 1st century and you can actually walk all though it. There is something so incredible about walking directly on ancient ground that really connects you to the history of France. The museum also contained one of my all time favorite pieces of historical art, The Unicorn Tapestries. I cannot recommend the Musee d’Moyan Age enough. It is historic, quiet and beautiful.

As for the Petit Palace, the museum houses some great pieces but the building and outer garden are worth the (free) visit alone. The palace garden is so serene. I spent a good 45 minutes just taking it in. The sun was starting to go down with the magnificent palace dome in the forefront all the while, not a soul was in sight nor a word spoken.

Since we’re on the subject of museums, I made sure to visit my all time favorite artist’s namesake museum and see Rodin’s Gates of Hell. I marvel at it every time I see it. There are so many aspects; it is quite incredible and daunting and I will never get tired of starring at it, even in the winter Paris rain.

Along with art and food, something else was experienced in Paris – My Birthday! I turned 30 in Paris and it was… amazing. Joel took me to a superb restaurant with views of the Eiffel Tower. I don’t care how touristy it is, the Tour d’Eiffel is a feat of architectural proportions. And the sparkling lights only made my celebration more exciting. I cannot forget to mention my birthday cake as it is my all time favorite dessert – a rose St. Honore from Laduree (click on the link and droooool). I actually dream of this pastry so to have it for 30 was gift enough.

But I mustn’t forget about the Baguettes! Now that I am trained baker, I made it a mission to try as much bread as possible (as if this is something new now that I’ve been to culinary school. HA). I did not know this, but it makes perfect sense – Paris actually chooses their favorite baguettes of the year and gives out an award. Joel and I tried a few of the winners (Le Grenier a Pain) but our favorite baguette was from Eric Kayser.

Another site to see is the catacombs. They are awesome. You may have noticed that I actually enjoy wondering through graveyards, as they are just so peaceful, therefore it should be of no surprise that I also enjoyed being underground amongst millions of bones. The catacombs are unlike any other ‘place of rest’ in the world – they are actually decorative and creepy, at the same time. Its a very cool adventure to walk through the passages, under the city of Paris, amongst some of the city’s oldest residents.

And finally, I want to share a secret that I picked up while in Paris. It’s not about shopping or art or even food. It is the plain and simple fact that Paris is absolutely at its best during twilight. That lovely Parisian atmosphere you imagine most comes out right before sunset… and it is incredible…

That’s enough bragging for now, I think. Making you want to visit yet?

It was bound to happen. I’ve been trying not to think about it. Then it just showed up – 30.

I suppose  though that I can’t complain too much, as I did get to spend my birthday in Paris. I turned 30 in Paris!!! Not too many people can boast to that one. And aside from celebrating my birthday, Joel and I got to spend 16 days in the city of lights. I toured, he worked. I enjoyed cheese, baguettes and an insane amount of Pierre Herme macaroons. My birthday cake was from Ladurée. 30 is not too shabby thus far.

16 days is a very long time to visit anywhere but put a baker who loves sweets, history, art, design and architecture in France…Needless to say, I’ll need a minute to collect my thoughts and pictures then I will get right back to mixin’!

Au Revoir, but only for now.

The holidays are here, finally and that means a few things to us:

• Family time
• Cookie Plates provided by the original Cafe Martin
• Mulled wine
• Holiday windows!

The first few items will be touched upon more as the season progresses (and more mulled wine is enjoyed) but I’d like to discuss the last item, Holiday Windows. In a past life, I designed a Holiday window or two so I revel in the thought of holiday window season. Holiday windows mean that a festive time of year has approached, it sends messages to shoppers and it makes you feel festive and warm all over. All in all, a great thing.

This will be the first year in over 10 years, that we’ve not experienced New York City at Christmas time. It makes me a bit sad as I truly believe that NYC comes together and alive at this time of year; NYC is one of the best places on Earth to spend the holiday season. The city particularly gets into the Holiday Spirit via their windows – Parties are held to celebrate “window openings”, papers, blogs and magazines alike write reviews on them… It is an event in NYC!

And although we are no longer in New York City and as much as we miss it, we are embracing our new home of London and all it has to offer this holiday season. On that note, some London-style (read: subdued) Holiday Windows for your viewing pleasure –

De Beers sparkling spirals (one of the more appropriate jewelry windows)

I have to include it: Tiffany & Co.’s Holiday windows. They are FAR from dazzling. I may be a bit biased, but c’mon! They are printed board  and the construction was awful. Black tape hanging from the sides does not make for a lovely frame. Fail.

These were quite fun – modeled after Aux Folies, these Fortnum and Mason windows had glitter, spinning mannequins, feathers, cages AND product. Good one F&M! (Full disclosure – I am in love with this store)

Here is a closer view of the F&M windows where two mannequins are “getting ready” before the show, pink feather boas and all!

*Side Bar* – while ‘window shopping’ this week I came upon a shop in the Burlington Arcade (one of London’s oldest “shopping malls”) that sells vintage Rolex’s from 1910 – 1970. Amazing. You can inquire about them here.

Not only are we lucky enough to spend the holiday season in London this year, we will also be visiting Paris. The City of Lights is sure to charm us with its festiveness and beauty and we’ll will be sure to report back.

For now, Cheers and Bon Nuit!

When we travel, we love to discover new foods and beer but we also love to take in all of a country’s history. Having conquered The MET, The Hermitage and The Louvre, we were ready to take on The British Museum – one section at a time. First up, Egypt.

Limestone carving from Rehotep’s tomb

The British Museum is vast and full of incredible collections. If we are being frank, the British are known to have “borrowed long term” from most of the world (especially the Greeks) so a huge collection goes without saying. This is one reason Joel and I have decided to take it slow, the other being that we have 2 years to explore it all! We figured that the beginning of civilized peoples is a great place to start. Not to say that Mesopotamia wasn’t an incredible start to mankind, but the Egyptians did mummify their cats and they have the pyramids!

Bone Figure of a Woman

The Rosetta Stone

The Egyptian collection is pretty amazing and on par with The MET’s. Mummies, hieroglyphics, jewelry, pottery and sculptures were abound. Ancient Egypt is one of the more mesmerizing periods of  history to me so I could spend hours in the galleries of the BM. However, there is so much more to see and we will be sure to report!

Katep and Hetepheres

Our first market experience was the Old Spitalfields Market in East London. Old Spitalfields is located in a large Victorian market space and was overwhelming to say the least! We went on a Saturday and it was filled with loads of interesting clothes that were flanked by vendors serving sandwiches made from piping hot raclette cheese (mmmm). Old Spitalfields is worth checking out especially as it’s located only a few blocks from the infamous curry capital and edgy neighborhood of London, Brick Lane.

Another market worth perusing is the Borough Market. This market is quite legendary and with good reason. Fresh fish, meat, cheese – tons of cheese, eggs, fruits and veggies galore. Not to mention the many prepared food stands, olive oil retailers and Turkish delight vendors. I came out with some lovely smoked French garlic bulbs and Turkish delight, but you are sure to find anything you could imagine cooking with at Borough Market. And, should you fancy a refreshment, there is a Pub centrally located within the market as well as deliciously warming mulled wine served throughout! We went at noon on a Friday and I can attest to the fact that the British have no qualms about starting their drinking before noon.

While those markets are worth a visit, there are markets all over London that deserve yours and my attention. Next up, we’ll be checking out our local Notting Hill Farmers Market.

Mangia!

We made it and Fishmix is back!  We are finally settling in to our new flat in London; So far, so good.

It’s been two weeks now and although we are missing our Sophie loaf, friends, family and NYC, we are attempting to make a new life in a new country.

A few highlights and likes thus far – The markets, beautiful and historic buildings EVERYWHERE, fresh baguettes, yogurt in glass jars, ease of the Tube system (when it’s operating), flats with high ceilings, tons of light and a separate bedroom(!), Daylesford Organic (my new go-to for fresh veggies), John Lewis, BrewDog Beer, ease of a weekend trip to Paris, Neils Yard Dairy (unpasteurized cheese).

A few surprises and dislikes thus far – The insanity of getting people to get things done in a timely manner (as of now, I’m perplexed as to how any ‘impatient New Yorker’ before us lived here for two years or more), sunset at 4:30pm, the slow yet eloquently named Royal Mail, constant Tube construction on the weekends, tiny portions of food that cost you a weeks pay, warm cask ales.

Joel and I have been treading along on the motto that “we’ll get used to it”, and we better because we are not on vacation. One thing we are working hard to get used to is warm pub beer. We hear there is a “Real Ale” (craft beer) movement in the land that literally invented the IPA so we are currently searching for it. When we find it, we’ll let you know.

Some other “bits and bobs” we are learning about here –

• Everyone says “bits and bobs”, which we’d simply call stuff in America
• SO FAR, UK Doctors are not as scary as we envision them to be
• The UK isn’t exactly known for fabulous chompers or good food but I can attest to one of those being false – We are really liking the food here so far. And not just the Fish ‘n Chips
• Corn syrup is ILLEGAL here! Hooray! I can eat as many Haribo gummies as I want. And I do
• Electric plugs are enormous, office paper is a totally different size (and of course, more logical)
• Fire code doesn’t allow plugs in the bathroom and in turn, hair dryer cords are just ridiculously long

That’s that so far. But more oddities and colloquialisms are to come, I am sure of that.

Day 1 –

We really wanted to soak up both the culture and as much food as possible *side note: I believe I’ve had more bagels in the past two weeks than my whole 10 years here combined. Not that there’s anything wrong with that*.

We began with a walk though historic Grand Central which ended with a seat at the infamous Grand Central Oyster Bar. A few bowls of chowda and many oysters and crab cakes later, we made our way a bit South. Next up, the New York City Public Library for their latest exhibit, 100 Years. It contained a fantastic collection of unique and interesting pieces of history.

Collection of Airborne badges

Illustrations from Gas Mask School. Oh the Cold War…

Next up, ‘Top of the Rock‘ for views unlike anywhere in the city. It was very hard to not be in awe at the vast, yet contained beauty that is Manhattan.

Manhattan South

Manhattan North, Central Park

After amazing views, we wondered through Times Square, what tourists consider to be the epicenter of America New York City. It was very, very hard to make it through without getting frustrated, as any New Yorker would, but we made it. And onward to downtown we went for a sociable dinner at the Stanton Social.

Day 1 down, Day 2 coming up.

Day 2 –

There is no better way to start a sightseeing day than with bagels. Of all food, I will miss them the most. Nothing, no muffin, scone or crumpet will ever compare to the chewy goodness that is a quintessential New York Bagel.

After filling our bellies, we headed uptown to experience a bit of Fifth Avenue and end up at our museum of the day, MoMA. MoMA had a few very intriguing exhibits so we decided to see them all! Fonts, Communication, de Kooning – it was a fantastic review of art through the ages.

I think we enjoyed the exhibit Standard Deviations: Types and Families in Contemporary Design, the most. Joel is quite the type nerd and had so much knowledge to pass on to us, it was great; we had our own personal type tour guide!

After many hours exploring art and the two gift shops, we shopped at the new Uniqlo on Fifth Avenue. The space is insanely large, to say the least. It was incredibly easy to lose everyone, and we did. Nonetheless, while parties were lost, tights, gloves, and scarves were found. Despite the crowds, the new Uniqlo location’s check out system was fairly smooth. One can never have enough scarves, gloves and tights in London.

Fully shopped out, but not ready to give up the food bug, we traveled to a few more NYC institutions: Russ and Daughters (for whitefish salad), Katz’s Deli (for pastrami, egg creams and knishes, of course!) and our final stop of the day, the Doughnut Plant (for pumpkin doughnuts). Then, even after ALL that food, I somehow managed to room for a glass (or two) of my all time favorite beer, Liquid Gold at Spitzer’s Corner in the LES.

After two days, I believe that we’ve gotten our sightseeing bug out. For now. We will miss NYC, our home of 10 years, daily. But we know she’ll always be here waiting for us with new food, sights, beer and people.

Hello there Fishmix lovers, I have some sad news — Fishmix has decided to make the move from New York City to London, England. And as much as we love, love, love NYC, the world has called upon us to get out there and we answered.

No need to fret, however, as we are taking this Fishmix on the road! We are delighted to say that Joel and I will be continuing our food, travel, music, books, movie, cooking, baking fashion, football filled blog on the other side of the pond.

So a big thank you to all of our readers that have enjoyed our ‘Mixes. We do hope you continue to follow us on our adventures through Europe. Best of luck to you New York! You’ll always be our number one girl…