We drove and drove and drove until we found ourselves as close to the Hollywood sign as one can get, while only barely breaking the law. I wanted these photos to have an ominous, dusty, desolate feel, so Corey Nickols retouched them with a blue cast, which I think looks beautiful and plays well off the dirt and the red and white warning signs. I also love that Brian To was able to catch those two girls in the background - particularly the one in the denim short-shorts and midriff. I think these turned out to be really cool, stylized photographs.
Field Trips
September 07, 2011
September 02, 2011
Big Red Series
Photographer Brian To shot this series of me with Randal Kleiser's horse, Big Red, whose personality matched his name.
August 16, 2011
Fried Zucchini Blossoms
When I was in Rome last year I spent a day cooking with Daniela del Balzo in her beautiful home. Of the many dishes we prepared for lunch these fried zucchini blossoms were my favorite. I had always wanted to make them. The season for them in New York is way too short, and like many vegetables they never come close in size or shape to those found in Rome. We purchased these at the Testaccio Market and stuffed them with mozzarella and achovies, which melted together into sublimely-salty-softness.
One of the keys to the crispy light crust is the use of carbonated water in the batter. Daniela taught me to spoon the hot oil over the blossoms before turning them over in order to hold their form. They were among the best things I've ever tasted.
August 10, 2011
Water Lilies
I photographed these water lilies at the Cleveland Botanical Garden.
July 29, 2011
Muscovy Duck
While walking in Cleveland last weekend I befriended this poor, dirty muscovy duck, who had found himself alone among a gaggle of Canadian geese and a couple of mallards.
July 15, 2011
July 01, 2011
June 03, 2011
May 27, 2011
Volpetti Market, Rome
The Volpetti Market is an amazing gourmet shop in the Testaccio section of Rome at 47 Via Marmorata. And while I did not enjoy the pigs' legs hanging in the window I thought the cheese selection was spectacular.
If prosciutt0 is your thing then you should check out the Cinco Jotas website for the interesting descriptions of their products.
May 13, 2011
Exploring Trastevere, Rome
... and the flower filled Piazza de Mercanti
