PHOTOSHOOT SUNDAYS

Sunday’s photo shoot involved almond croissants and a little Edie Sedgwick inspiration. I’d say a perfect combo to top off an overcast afternoon in Montreal.

BELLE & MICHIGAN DO LAPS

BELLE & MICHIGAN EAT DINNER

Didn’t realized there was only one doggy bowl for Belle and Michigan’s food so we had to improvise with a little sushi boat and olive appetizer dish. I kinda don’t want traditional dog bowls for the two of them, so does anyone have any suggestions on where to get cute dog-friendly dishes?

Grocery Store Outfit: November 28th, 2009

Saturdays original food mission was Atwater market but that was quickly abandoned when I realized it was only 5 freaking degrees outside. The grimace says it all.

It's 5 degrees outside, I'm an idiot

THANKSGIVING DINNER + RESIDENT RESTAURANT = DELISH

My friend Voytek opened up a restaurant in Old Port this past February. Yes, during a recession, in the dead of winter, in Old Montreal.

His resto is not too far from where I live and so I end up dining there, a lot. And not once have I ever encountered a dish I didn’t like or gastronomically appreciate. Exciting daily chef specials that make you ohhhh and awwww coupled with seasonal menus peppered with local ingredients, me likey long time. Voytek specifically opened up the restaurant to cater to the “residents” in the area, intent on serving delicious comfort food just like mom would make. Comfort food with a dash of high-end elegance sprinkled on top.

There are so many tasty dishes here that I’ll have to save it for another post but today’s focus should be purely on the mini assiette d’Action de Grace. Think delectable Cornish hen with  apple onion and parmesan stuffing, served with yorkshire pudding.  Add butternut squash puree and an orange and cranberry gravy to round it off, all of which, melt like heaven in your mouth.  What am I saying, it IS heaven. Have your taste buds imploded yet?  Resident has also crafted a bold but restrained wine list. Their selection of wines are of excellent vintage and moderately priced, so much so that you’ll find yourself ordering at least two bottles during dinner. They also carry one of my favorites, Errazuriz Estate (Winery of the Year 2008).

Voytek Korab Owner of Resident Restaurant

I took a few pics when V was going through renovations before the opening (see one above) but  since then, the resto has definitely charmed its way into a many must-eat lists with raving reviews in Elle Quebec, The Gazette, etc. Copper-plated high ceilings, warm candlelight and rich wood flooring always makes for a wondrous dining experience. Oh and you’ll hear the soft sounds of 80s classics like The Cure and The Smiths too! Make reservations today, and let V know I sent ya, he’ll treat ya extra good.

Hit List

• Lamb Shepherd’s Pie
• La mini assiette d’Action de Grâce (mini Thanksgiving y’all!)
• Résident Bison Burger

Résident (http://www.residentrestaurant.com/)
400 Notre Dame E. (corner Bonsecours)
514-844-1466

WISH LIST: SEQUIN BLAZER

It’s gonna happen, I swear. In a few weeks I will be wearing this puppy to the grocery store, guaranteed.

BAD BALLERINA

So I missed my weekly ballet class last Saturday due to a grave illness called “hungovs” (see post Office Xmas Party + Boyfriend = Destroyed for more info) and opted to make it up today, Tuesday. I knew that my iron-fist-in-a-velvet glove Russian ballet teacher would of loved to seen me cuz she misses me. I know this because she calls me “Strong Legs” girl. Anyways, my make up class started at 5:30PM but when 4PM roll around, I bailed. I was tired, hungry and grumpy. What did I do instead? I went home, made sausage links and drank sparkling wine. Yes, good ballerina I am.

I MISS MY STUFANY

My ex-roommate and one of the original hosebags just moved super far far far away. 16 hours drive north of Vancouver. That’s like near Alaska! (should we google map it?) Knowing that now she’s much further away from an airport drives me crazy. So we’re going to be sending each love notes/postcards because we miss each so. This is my way of sending my love Steph!

help ive fallen and cant get up cuz i miss my stuf!

PHOTOSHOOT SUNDAYS

I have a tendency to do my photo shoots on le weekend and at home. It gives me more time to prep, think about how I’m going to shoot and not rush anything. I hate rushing. Plus having a cappuccino machine in the loft helps. It keeps everyone happy. When I use to shoot in studios and I ended up spending a lot of time setting up lights, metering and looking for plugs, beauty dishes and clippy things. I guess that’s why most people hire assistants but I’m more of hands-on type of girl. I like to know what’s going on with the shoot from start to finish. This is why a few years ago I scaled back my setup big time. No more Profotos, no more battery packs. No more tripods and no more light meter. Basically if I can’t put my photo gear in my Longchamp bag, it doesn’t come with me. And if the sun goes down, we stop shooting. No fuss, no muss. That’s how me likes it. Speaking of like, here a few photos I did from this afternoon with my two favorite muses A & K. You likey?

Don't Mess with Aleksandra

OFFICE XMAS PARTY + BOYFRIEND = DESTROYED

Actually I might have to say that he got ABOMINATED, because I may be on the computer at 3 AM  on a Friday but it’s only because my boyfriend is currently passed out on the bathroom floor dead and I’m bored.  AND I’m not sure if he’s still breathing. Give me a sec, while I check. So, apparently at my annual office x-mas party tonight, my boyfriend drank SHIT LOADS of scotch while I cheesed it up on the dance floor.  It must be the Irish + Native blood in him that lusts after the drink cuz I dunno what went down the hatch.  I participated also, but I think I am only semi-abominated. My litmus test is “Can I still walk in my heels?” I’m wearing 5-inches booties and didn’t break an ankle so, yes, only semi-abominated. Basically every year my Christmas party rolls around, we know it’s that time to visit “Blackout City”. I’d say a good bunch of  us know the road to Blackout City very well. Ever have that happen to you? Sure it has, drinky drinky, can’t remember thinky. But y’all know it ain’t no party until someone passes out (or three). That being said, we rocked the shit outta that party tonight. Can’t wait till next years!

Phil is dead on the bathroom floor