Jill Donenfeld

You're Putting That Tea Where??

2013-05-15T22:04:19-04:00

Muffins for Tea Time. Tea Muffins for Anytime.

Muffins for Tea Time. Tea Muffins for Anytime. from all things delicious on Vimeo.

Lately, tea won't leave me alone. First there were Matcha macaroons at Takahachi Bakery, then Black Tea and Fig Jam at Lucy's Whey by way of Quince and Apple Jam Co and then an Earl Grey and Cream cookie at Birch Coffee. 'Tis the teason. My own thoughts started steeping and I brewed these muffins, using my favorite tea from Harney & Sons: Hot Cinnamon.

...Where did you THINK I was going to say I was putting tea?!

Culinistas Love Mothers

2013-05-06T05:55:13-04:00

Culinistas Love Mothers from all things delicious on Vimeo.

Can a sandwich teach us good parenting? Maybe! The Culinistas took a cue from some great mothers to create a mom sandwich. Start with really hearty bread - we like Le Pain Quotidien for that. That's like your sturdy foundation that every mama imbues in her child. Then slather that up with Jasper Hill Moses Sleeper - currently my absolute favorite cheese (available at Lucy's Whey in NYC and the West Hollywood Whole Foods in Los Angeles - the best cheese selection of the greater LA WFMs). See, that's a lesson in culture. And nothing says mom-love like some good old fashioned affection - red lipstick on the cheek style coddling. So we say coddle an egg. Or, lightly poach it - in the shape of your bread, ideally. Moms teach us patience... which is especially good when they turn around and give us unsolicited advice. Our sandwich features caramelized onions, which take forever, as well as some greens for good measure. And what if you only have the heel of the bread left to cap off your sandwich? No worries! Moms love unconditionally - even if you forgot to buy a fresh loaf of bread for her visit. Now don't forget sharing. Cut up that bad boy and spread the love. Offer some to dad!

Happy Mother's Day, Mom! I love you!

Le Pain Culinistian: Five LPQ-Inspired Tartines

2013-04-23T14:14:50-04:00

Le Pain Quotidien x The Culinistas from all things delicious on Vimeo.

Oh la la! French music, French jokes, and open-faced French sandwiches... well, well, well it's going to be a good day. We teamed up with Le Pain Quotidien for une petite inspiration du matin. Is that right? Well, we hope these new tartines will provide a bit of morning inspiration. The combinations will have you licking your lips... or kissing someone else's? Each does make a nice breakfast in bed, after all.

What's your favorite tartine combination?

Cilantro Dressing on Vacation

2013-03-25T18:01:24-04:00

It's no joke - this dressing is will be your new favorite Saturday morning cartoon. It's a toss-it-all-in-the-blender, no-measurements-needed, and heck-it's-bright-green kind of a recipe. I made it on vacation. You could make it while ambient-eating. It's that simple. Serve it with any kind of greens and any flavor profile leaning towards South Western, Mexican, or Latin American... spicy shrimp, black beans, salsa scrambled eggs. Now you're on to something...

Siggi's Yogurt Makes a Good Partner

2013-03-10T13:05:31-04:00

Siggi's x The Culinistas Collaboration from all things delicious on Vimeo.

When a food as versatile as yogurt meets a chef as lazy as me there's a certain chemistry... a certain je ne sais quoi... a spark that ignites, and the possibilities are endless. We could go for a skinny DIP or decide to get DRESSED. We could keep it light with white wine friendly PASTA or MARINATE together for a few hours. I'd even be inclined to stay over for BREAKFAST the next morning. But I'm not talking about any yogurt; gosh! I DO have standards! Even though there was that DJ... and there was that construction worker... and that photo assistant slash musician slash painter....but I digress. Though that last one wrote me a song. And, plus: I've learned! It's not just pretty packaging that makes a good soul mate. Or even sweet jingles. That's fun; but after you've woken up every morning together for years and years, you want to know that what's inside is reliable. And good for you. And, if you're me, a bit of a shape-shifter because, after all, I kinda like to mix things up. Siggi's, you're so good to me. I can do more with Siggi's plain yogurt to spice up or mellow out or enhance a dish than there are artists on my list.

This video is a love song to Siggi's yogurt. You see how plain yogurt (of quality!) can take the place of more not-so-good-for-you creams like sour cream, creme fraiche, mayonnaise (yes, I know that's not really cream), and even, sort of, butter. But, to think of yogurt as a "healthy alternative" is sort of missing the point. I like to use it because I like how it tastes - in and of itself. It's not about subbing out. It's about enjoying Siggi for what it is. Save the swapping for lovers.

Heart On Cookies Video

2013-02-14T08:05:18-05:00

Make your favorite cookies into hearts on Valentines Day! Decorate with icing if you desire (and get HARDENING icing if you do!) or make a heart-shaped potato stamp to create your own stationary if you're feeling extra crafty. Have a happy Valentines day! xo

You Give Me A Heart On Cookie from all things delicious on Vimeo.

Band Bites: Ash Reiter

2012-11-30T15:00:01-05:00

She makes breakfast quesadillas and wants to go on tour with The Beatles -- talk about a dream girl. Not to mention the music she makes is super fucking cool and groovy.

What do you eat before a show?

We try to eat light, so it's easier to sing. I had a burger before a show in Chatanooga, and it made so sleepy I thought we might have to cancel the show in order to take a nap. Luckily I recovered just in time to play.

What's your favorite thing to get after a show?

Being from California, tacos are kind of a classic. But lots of times I like to come home and make a nice healthy veggie stir fry.

Where have you had your best post- or pre-show meal. What was it?

On tour three years ago, we had a Cuban Sandwhich at Paseos in Seattle. Ever since then we have been talking about those sandwhiches, but Paseos always seems to be closed when were up there. On this past tour we finally got to eat there again -- the sandwiches held up to three years of hype.

Have any groupies ever made you anything and sent it backstage?

I've had a fan make me a painting of myself. I feel a little funny having it up in the house but she was the sweetest gal so I can't just hide it in a closet.

If your mom was on the tour bus, what would she insist you eat?

Carrots -- they make your eyes shiny. She always had a reason to eat each vegetable, but I'm pretty sure a lot of them were made up.

Who's the best cook in the band? What's their best dish?

Gotta brush my shoulders off on this one, though to their credit, I can't say Drew or Scott have ever cooked me a meal. My specialties include French onion soup, eggplant parmesan, roast chicken, Thai curry and breakfast quesadillas.

Who's the pickiest eater in the band? What's his/her deal?

Well Drew (guitar player) isn't picky but he never eats more than a third of his meal but can still drink me under the table. In all truth, I'm probably the pickiest and most whiny.

Any on-the-road food discoveries, restaurants, or roadside vendors?

A smoothie and some veggies. We never seem to get enough healthy food on the road.
When we played Capitol Hill Block Party Festival in Seattle we discovered the "cream dog" which is just a hot dog the vendors sell with grilled onions, sauerkraut and cream cheese. I was skeptical at first, but they're pretty tasty. We also really enjoyed Salsas in Asheville, N.C., The Grit in Athens, Killer PoBoys in New Orleans and Aurora Coffee in Atlanta -- although watch out for the parking police in Atlanta. My coffee ended up costing $38 -- tip and parking ticket included.

Best two [tour] dates? Worst two dates? Two dream dates?

We played a super intimate show in Philly with one of my personal favorites, Birdie Busch. On this tour it was such warm welcoming community -- I loved it. I played a show down in Big Sur on the California coast with Dirty Projectors a few years back -- they are such a wild band and Big Sur is so magical; I will never forget that one. My worst gig was probably a recent one where my guitar broke down half-way through our second song and started making a terrible buzzing noise if it was plugged in. I had to play the rest of the set mic-ing my electric guitar and running it through the PA. It sounded terrible, but it did afford me the opportunity to meet a hilarious 80-year-old Italian guitar tech, who repeatedly referred to me and all women as terrorists. Now that's customer service. In my dream gig, we are touring the country with Dr Dog and end the tour at a festival where we share the bill with Flaming Lips, Of Montreal, St Vincent, Javelin, Wilco, Grizzly Bear, Jolie Holland, Os Mutantes, The Strokes and -- hell why not -- the Kinks, The Beatles and The Beach Boys with their original line-ups.

Band Bites: Social Studies

2012-10-31T13:45:17-04:00

Natalia -- lead singer and cutie from Social Studies answered some Band Bites this week. Leave it to a girl to answer my date question the right way! And, with a Frenchman in the crew who insists that a meal must include everyone sitting down together, this band rates high on the bite chart. Their second album, Developer, is dreamy.

1. What do you eat before a show?
I usually try to eat light and avoid dairy, so salads are great! But on the road it can be difficult, so my general rule of thumb is just don't eat too much.

2. What's your favorite thing to get after a show? On home turf and elsewhere.
Burritos! They are San Francisco's go to late night food and you can find them everywhere. I'd probably get a super veggie burrito from Casa Sanchez and call it a night.

3. Where've you had your best post or pre-meal, what was it?
The home cooked meal we had at our friend Chris Lempa in Lawrence, Kansas. He pickles his own vegetables and after weeks on the road if someone cooks food for you it is heaven on earth!

4. Have any groupies ever made you anything and sent it backstage?
We once received a home-made spring loaded "glitter bomb" box of chocolate chip cookies from a fan! They mailed it to a venue so we got it when we arrived. We were still picking glitter out of our hair a week later.

5. If your mom was on the tour bus, what would she insist you eat?
She would probably make me eat some kind of cooked greens, quinoa and tofu, with pecan pie for dessert. She's a bit of a health nut, but she's got a real weakness for pies.

6. Who's the best cook in the band? What's their best dish?
Jesse is by far the best cook in the band. He grew up in France, so he has a distinct advantage over us Americans.

7. Who's the pickiest eater in the band? What's his/her deal?
Jesse wins this prize too! According to him, it isn't a real meal if we don't all sit down to eat, there's fresh bread on the table, along with a bottle of Côtes du Rhône.

8. Any on the road food discoveries or restaurants or roadside vendors... some hidden gems you've come across?
LA has amazing food trucks! I discovered a delicious Korean taco truck down there that blew my mind when we played Silverlake Jubilee.

9. Best two dates? Worst two dates? Two dream dates?
One of my best dates was a picnic at the top of Alamo Square complete with Saint André triple cream cows milk cheese and medjool dates from Bi-Rite. That combination is definitely a way to this girl's heart...

10. OK... I'm on the bus now. What do you what me to make?
Backseat sandos!

Dinnertime Free Association With a Culinista and a Liquid Muse

2012-09-26T17:43:09-04:00

What happens when one hungry girl and another thirsty one hit it off? They play free-association with booze and food, of course. I started off with cauliflower gratin I had at Saxon and Parole and what unfolded was a salivating stream of conscious. This game works like the movie game -- one person says an actor, the other says a movie the actor was in. Then the first person says another actor in that movie and person number two says a movie the subsequent actor is in. And it goes on and on and on. Here, we sub out actor/movie for food/drink.

I sat down with The Liquid Muse, Natalie Bovis to riff. And, go!

Jill Donenfeld: Last night I ate at Saxon and Parole and I had cauliflower gratin...
Natalie Bovis: I could totally see a seasonal beer with that -- maybe pumpkin.
Jill Donenfeld:I want a brothy mussel situation with lots of bread.
Natalie Bovis: When I think of the south of France -- crisp rosé wine
Jill Donenfeld: OMG good one. And my favorite thing with rosé is smoked salmon and salmon roe.
Natalie Bovis: Salmon and salmon roe -- a nice chilled shot of vodka.
Natalie Bovis: Sip -- not shot.
Jill Donenfeld: Woooo vodka... which is what I drink with ummm everything... But here let's say it puts me in the mood for... something a friend made once which was chilled marinated shrimp with parsley, capers, lemons... really cold.
Jill Donenfeld: Sort of Spanish taste to it.
Natalie Bovis: A nice chilled seafood plate is a great pairing with OM Cocktails Meyer Lemon & Ginger.
Natalie Bovis: It could served chilled on its own or shaken with a little more fresh lemon juice and even a splash more vodka and fresh dill to make a crazy fun cocktail pairing.
Natalie Bovis: Adding a bit more vodka and fresh lemon would make it more food friendly.
Jill Donenfeld: Oooooooo yum. As long as we aren't adding the dill... sounds slightly sweet which makes me want something sorta sweet to eat. I want a fruit crisp ... like a peach and ginger crisp.. right?!
Natalie Bovis: Peach and ginger screams one thing at me --- bourbon!
Natalie Bovis: A nice old-fashioned cocktail with bourbon could be a good pairing.
Natalie Bovis: I'd use peach bitters in the old fashioned to further compliment the dessert.
Jill Donenfeld: Yessssssss me wants it. Makes me want something smoky now... beef jerky is kind of a good call here.
Jill Donenfeld: Because I think an old fashioned is more a drink that goes with pre-dinner snacking... etc.
Natalie Bovis: I love beef jerky -- especially when its spicy... and this smoky spice thought leads me to one of my favorites... Mescal... a nice smokey mescal.
Jill Donenfeld: Oh baby.
Natalie Bovis: (del maguey mescal)
Jill Donenfeld: Must try... Must try it with really spicy pulled pork tacos with lots of cilantro and cotijillo cheese.
Natalie Bovis: I think I'm being led to one of my favorite drinks -- a silver coin margarita.
Natalie Bovis: Made with a great silver tequila, FRESHLY squeezed lime, a little orange liqueur and a kiss of agave nectar.
Jill Donenfeld: Call me common but with a margarita, no matter how fancy... I always want me some good ole guacamole.
Natalie Bovis: If we're talking guac, I'm going back to beer.
Natalie Bovis: For me that would be Negra Modelo -- in the bottle.
Jill Donenfeld: OMG and that makes me want the cauliflower gratin I had last night! Yes!

Info about Natalie:
Cocktail Book Author; Mixology Consultant, Educator & Editor of The Liquid Muse
Twitter: @theliquidmuse

Info about moi:
Party Like a Culinista cookbook
The Culinistas founder

Band Bites: BRAINSTORM

2012-09-24T15:10:00-04:00

BRAINSTORM is a get up and dance kind of band, a chant with them, bop around the room, play air guitar in the mirror. After hearing from Patrick however, all I wanna do is eat with them. Patrick mentions smoked paprika -- always a good idea -- and wants to eat more veggies. Listen up girls, start going to shows with picnic baskets.

What do you eat before a show? Patrick, do you bring stuff from your restaurant job? Extra family meal?

I've had everything from duck liver pate in Toulouse, France to the most heinous college cafeteria food in Bellingham, WA. Usually before a show, I'll eat whatever is right in front of me, cheap to free, and edible/nutritious on some level. That's more how it works on tour. If we're playing around Portland, I've definitely grabbed burgers and currywursts to go from my work at Grain & Gristle or make something quick like a veggie stir-fry at home.

What's your favorite thing to get after a show? In Portland and elsewhere.
After shows in Portland it's pretty popular to hit up the late night carts at Cartopia. The Creperie and Potato Champion are my go-to's. If we play at Mississippi Studios, I always look forward to devouring a burger and fries at their bar right after with a beer. In LA and Oakland, the late night taco trucks are the holy grail of post-show eating. Dirty but delicious mexican food while coming down on adrenaline and booze is pretty incredible. Especially when it's still warm outside late, as it tends to be in California.

Where've you had your best post or pre meal, what was it?
Best pre-show meal was hands down in Toulouse, France, which I mentioned earlier. The spread was insane. Baguettes, cheese, charcuterie, pates, wine, beer, tabouli salad, eggplant casserole, and more things that I'm forgetting. I remember feeling full and satiated while our hosts brought out more food and showed concern if we didn't continue gorging. I didn't think I was going to be able to play. Had to take a nap around 9 p.m.

Have any groupies ever made you anything and sent it backstage?
Unfortunately no. But that's a wonderful idea that I fully support. To all the groupies: we are now accepting all cookies, pies, nachos, sandwiches etc that you might want to send backstage. I guess you can hang out and watch while we eat too.

If your mom was on the tour bus, what would she insist you eat?
Once my mom made me a care-package intended for me to take on tour filled with yogurts, fruit, granola bars, weird gluten free crackers, peanut butter, diet lipton iced teas, and some cookies. Not quite sure how to reconcile all those things, but it was a really nice gesture. Everything was consumed, of course.

Who's the best cook in the band? What's their best dish?
I'm just going to jump in and claim the cook-of-the-band title. I do want to give one quick shout-out to Adam's genius peanut-sauce recipe (made by mixing coconut milk, peanut butter, and Sriracha) which puts his stir-fries on the next level. Right now I've been into making Espinacas con Garbanzos, a simple but super tasty Spanish dish with smoked paprika and cumin.

Who's the pickest eater in the band? What's his/her deal?
Adam wins most picky eater, particularly on tour. His pickiness is on a couple levels. One, he won't spend more than 10 bucks or so on any meal and is also just a particular dude in general. It gets a little tough when you're in an unfamiliar town trying to agree on a meal.

Any on the road food discoveries or restaurants or roadside vendors... some hidden gems you've come across?
We have a favorite El Salvadorian spot that's just north of LA off I-5 in the middle of no-where. Hit it up every time we drive through. We're also in love with Tacos Villa Corona on Glendale in LA for their cheap fried potato breakfast burritos. The best morning after burrito for the dollar.

Best two dates? Worst two dates? Two dream dates?
Are we talking "dating" dates or show dates? I'll just go for the dream date. How about playing a show with Rihanna after having oysters and champagne in some swank penthouse. M.I.A. is another dream of mine. I would go wherever she wanted to take me in London. I've never had Sri Lankan food before, I would be very happy for her to show me the ropes.

Ok.... I'm on the bus now. What do you want me to make?
Make me a salad with raw vegetables, please! We're always dying for something green and fresh while touring.

Hummingbird Beats: New York Moment

2012-09-04T15:08:26-04:00

I've been pretty lucky with N.Y. moments: getting a cabbie's help to move 100 blocks, a chance meeting at a favorite restaurant leading to international travel, spotting Julianne Moore at the gym, spotting Julianne Moore at the hardware store, spotting Julianne Moore grabbing a coffee. These are the fun moments that make NYC, sometimes, The Greatest Place on Earth. And, we've all had them. My girl friend was once aided by Sarah Jessica Parker as she exited a cab in a rain storm in the middle of an apartment move during taxi turnover hour... And it was SJP who uttered, "I'm having such a N.Y. moment!" My best N.Y. moment came the last week in August this year, my birthday week.

I've been a West Village resident on and off for the last seven years and am proud slash embarrassed to say that I go to the deli a lot. When I am in the city, it's not a stretch to say that I visit my deli three-to-four times from sunrise into the wee hours, picking up various sundries needed throughout the day. In the morning I grab a kombucha and some grapes. Afternoons are re-ups on seltzer water and night-time ranges from ice cream to pineapple to eggs for the morning. My deli also has an excellent sandwich counter where my guys will scoop out any bagel, add avocado to any on-the-board selection, and generally make me anything at any hour. I also get my flowers, my paper towels, and my Advil from that same corner store. My monthly credit card statement boils down to air travel and deli expenditures.

So, the week before I turned 28 this year, I was palling around my hood doing my seltzer runs and stopping in for pineapples and treating myself to Ben and Jerry's. I had been in with a friend and spoken about the upcoming parties I was having on Friday night -- one at a hotel nearby. We discussed my dress, the start time, the guest list, the day-of preparations. I was giddy with anticipation. My friend played along -- busting me on the fact (true) that I love my birthday like no one over 5 years old should, going overboard each year -- this year culminating in two parties as well as turning a friend's clambake into an extended b-day event the following day.

We left the deli not thinking about who'd been listening. That evening I returned for Advil and some Tates and the following morning I picked up some cottage cheese. One of the guys asked if I'd be around on Friday. Of course, I said. I've never been asked a personal slash schedule question by any of the deli men but I didn't think about it. Later in the day when I went in for Gerber daisies and lilies, he asked me what time. That got my attention but I decided to play it cool. There's a dance that needs to go on between those people of the neighborhood we see everyday but whose daily rhythms are ever so different. I thought about my Friday schedule -- my birthday party day -- and told him likely around 1 p.m.

As the week went on, the deli guy checked with me two more times. I think I would have been a little weirded out but I was so fixated on the birthday that I kept forgetting to think about it.

When Friday came, I'd totally forgotten about my 1 p.m. bodega call time. I went about my day: working from Soho House, taking a meeting in Tribeca and Union Square, purchasing a '2' and an '8' candle, and emailing the hotel to be sure they had the most updated guest list. So, it was to my surprise when, at 2:30 p.m. I popped into my spot for a smoked salmon with avocado, tomato, and lettuce on toasted whole wheat, the guys greeted me at the door.

What followed was surreal. The deli guys had overheard me discussing the parties earlier in the week, and, as a birthday present, had made me a Freesia headdress to wear to my double-header soirée. Talk about being floored. The wreath was a piece of artwork. It was all white since they knew my first dress was tie-dye and the second one was a white lace slip-looking get-up. I nearly cried. I gave them all hugs and promise to take pictures.

That night I wore the crown with pride, bragging incessantly where it had come from. I could have stayed home and watched Friends re-runs and I still would have had a great birthday; the deli men made me feel like a star. Kindness always touches the heart and the kindness of New Yorkers is a treasured gem. A New York moment for the books.

Eat Retreat

2012-08-24T16:53:19-04:00

A few weeks ago, I applied for EAT RETREAT, "a weekend workshop dedicated to good food and innovative thinking. Created for leaders in the food community, the objective of this invite-only event is to celebrate a shared joy for food." Today is the last day for entry, and I wanted to share my answers. Early acceptees include Stephen Wade, Dorothy Neagle from Good Food Jobs, and Mike Lee from Studio Feast.

If nothing else, read to find out how to get into this awesome weekend! If you know me, some answers and general vibes won't come as a surprise. Still, that egg boiling trick is a gem of a kitchen trick! What are your kitchen secrets? Message them @theculinistas

My involvement in the food community:

My culinary experience and expertise goes from the esoteric to the super family-round-the-table familiar. I started a weekly home chef service in 2006 and this year was pictured in Forbes 30 Under 30 list of culinary entrepreneurs. My company operates in NYC, LA, and Chicago. That's the "family time" aspect of my involvement.
I've also lived in Madagascar to write a Malagache cookbook, in the Chettinad region of India to write one for the Chettiars.... I guess that's some of the esoteric. I wrote a cookbook last year called Party Like A Culinista, published by Lake Isle Press.
I truly see "the food community" as humanity; we all eat. And, from what I've seen around the globe, is that we all have a pretty unique approach to the meal. That's the lens through which I dig in!

Tell us one of your favorite cooking tips:

I learned in Madagascar that you can throw an egg into your rice as you're boiling it to make a hard boiled egg without using another pot.
I'm a huge fan of mixing ricotta and pesto together for an impromptu get together.
Here's an eating tip: if you plunge a cherry into a glass of ice water for about 15 seconds before eating it, you will taste the most delicious thing ever. That's called Crunchy Cherry Technology.

My biggest cooking disaster:

Do not over mash potatoes.
Do not over whip cream.
Do not forget how many teaspoons of lemon juice you've added to Karen DeMasco's lemon soufflé. Especially when she's watching.

I'd love to wow my fellow Eat Retreaters with my:

Weird adventures. Eating rats (I swear) in Madagascar (that's NOT in the cookbook), working on an organic farm in Sweden, my dinner at Rao's with the Rao's lawyer when he broke the leg of his chair, eating Skyline Chili and Graeter's ice cream for much of my childhood in Cincinnati..
But... ya know.... I'll also wow them with my friendliness, my curiosity, and my compassion.

My mom would tell you I'm perfect for Eat Retreat because:

She's right here next to me (I am visiting home)!
"Jill thinks fast. She's creative. She can make simple foods taste absolutely delicious. She put's together good ingredient combinations like tonight she's making a trout that she caught and paring it with a quinoa and tomato salad. And, to top it off, her brothers love her food. She makes family occasions into parties. She makes entertaining a breeze. Guests are at ease. She never panics."

Awww shucks mom.

What do you hope to learn at Eat Retreat?

I would actually like to sharpen my basic skills of breaking down food (meats, fish, etc). I can do it all but never properly learned. I learned to kill chickens in Madagascar... I wonder if I learned the "right" way. All my culinary knowledge has been learned from mamas.. not teachers so I think there are a lot of holes in my skills.

Hummingbird Beats: Jessie Oleson

2012-07-11T21:25:42-04:00

Jessie Oleson is a writer, illustrator, gallery owner and cake anthropologist who runs Cakespy.com, an award-winning dessert website. Her first book, CakeSpy Presents Sweet Treats for a Sugar-Filled Life, which was featured on the Today show, came out in October 2011; she is currently at work on her second book. She loves classic rock and beatniks. And she's not above the Jersey Shore or driving six hours for a cupcake.

What's in your bag? When you pack for a trip, in your handbag, in the pockets of your jeans...?

For a trip: a sketchbook and my favorite pencils and pens; in my handbag, always a book to read and usually carrots to snack on; in the pocket of my jeans, sidewalk chalk (I am a compulsive and very enthusiastic sidewalk-chalker).

You have five minutes to pack up -- for a trip of which the duration you're not sure. What do you take?

My laptop, my passport and my pug.

What is your most essential article of clothing?

It's an accessory, but a valued one: my Cartier trinity ring. I never take it off.

What are the top five songs you need to have access to hearing at all times?

"The Only Living Boy in New York" by Paul Simon; "Home/Naive Melody" by the Talking Heads; "Ana Ng" by They Might Be Giants; "Sweet Jane" by the Velvet Underground; "Tangled Up in Blue" by Bob Dylan.

What is your preferred hummingbird beat/cities you like to frequent?

My regular orbit circles around family and friends and includes Seattle, San Francisco, NYC, the Jersey Shore and Philadelphia.

What's something crazy that you did to follow your passion? (Like, did you live out of your car for a month? Drive 10 hours to pick up a certain, weird material you needed?)

I once drove six hours because someone said they'd make me cupcakes if I came to visit. They were really good cupcakes.

What is one tip you have for traveling -- a beauty tip, a survival tip, a culinary tip... ?

If you go to a chain restaurant, I will seek you out and smack you. Ask the locals where to eat! You get the best suggestions this way.

What makes you a good house guest?

I always try to make plans that they can include themselves in, or opt out of. We don't need to be joined at the hip the whole visit!

What's a recent or favorite meal you had while bouncing around the globe?

I really enjoyed the scientific whimsy of eating at MOTO in Chicago.

Where have you had your best night's sleep?

I always sleep almost stupidly well on my friend James's sofa in Astoria, Queens.

Who would you like to travel with -- three people (you guys can caravan together or on separate trips)?

Woody Allen, Jack Kerouac and Anthony Bourdain. Maybe not all at once. Although then again, maybe that would be a great sitcom: Three Oddball Men and a Little Lady.

Hummingbird Beats: Glynn Connolly

2012-06-28T14:41:10-04:00

People are fascinated by the things Glynn hates. On the list? Oprah, pandas, slow walkers and the word "honkytonk." Lady likes to take a stance! After working in fashion PR for as long as she could take it, Glynn branched out to start Essex LA, which sells custom-made clutches 0 in any color way your heart desires. She loves California -- from LA to Carmel -- and doesn't know why anyone would live anywhere else. Mwah.

What's in your bag? When you pack for a trip, in your handbag, in the pockets of your jeans... ?
I am almost always carrying one of our Louie clutches these days which is nice because it just fits the essentials -- Blackberry and iPhone (much to my dismay I have both now), cash, credit cards, camera (Canon S95), Chapstick, lipstick (Poppy King for J.Crew at the moment), a Sharpie and Ray-Bans. For flights I throw the Louie in a larger tote and add my giant 17" Macbook Pro (smaller model is on my wish list), iPod, Kindle, book of NYT crossword puzzles (so nerdy but addictive), and Bose headphones. There is an extra hair rubberband in the little fifth pocket of every pair of jeans I own at all times.

You have five minutes to pack up -- for a trip of which the duration you're not sure. What do you take?
Skinny jeans, tank tops, black mini skirt, blazer, leather jacket, ankle boots, bikini, running shoes, passport.

What is your most essential article of clothing?
Racerback tank tops -- with jeans and flats during the day and tucked into to skirts with heels at night. I am always rotating through new versions, but my current favorite is a perfect white one from Aritzia.

What are the top five songs you need to have access to hearing at all times?
The Beach Boys -- "Here Today" (or anything from Pet Sounds), Justin Townes Earle -- "Someday I'll Be Forgiven for This," David Bowie -- "Golden Years," Tanlines -- "Real Life," and Whitney Houston -- "How Will I Know" (for dance party purposes).

What is your preferred hummingbird beat/cities you like to frequent?
New York -- many friends to visit and always some sort of work to be done there. And I am always running around California. My parents have a house in Carmel which is my heaven. I do absolutely nothing when there and it is glorious. Last month I spent two weekends in Napa and two weekends and Palm Springs, which was pretty nice.

What's something crazy that you did to follow your passion? (like, did you live out of your car for a month? Drive 10 hours to pick up a certain, weird material you needed?)
Hmmm... maybe not taking money from people. I didn't want investors, I didn't want to owe anyone or have other people feel they could tell me what to do with my business.

What is one tip you have for traveling -- a beauty tip, a survival tip, a culinary tip... ?
Dress up on airplanes, you never know who you will be sitting next too.

What makes you a good house guest?
I make my bed very nicely every morning and I leave great gifts for my hosts.

What's a recent or favorite meal you had while bouncing around the globe?
I am pretty excited about the dinner I'll be having tomorrow night in D.C. My friend Anne and her husband (Komi's Johnny Monis) opened a Northern Thai restaurant called Little Serow a few months ago and I finally get to go! It's been getting insane reviews. It's a set, seven-dish menu, they don't take reservations and apparently people start lining up at 4:30 to get a table. I get to cut the line.

Where have you had your best night's sleep?
My bed in Carmel. The mattress is from Monterey Mattress Company. I have no idea what they do differently but it makes for a ridiculously comfortable bed.

Who would you like to travel with -- three people (you guys can caravan together or on separate trips)?
My friend Eliza who proved herself an A+ travel partner on a trip to Mexico City, my friend Sabrina who I spent a totally insane week with in Paris, and Derek Blasberg. I don't know him but I am convinced we'd be great pals.

Hummingbird Beats: Karen Pagtama

2012-05-29T12:29:06-04:00

Karen Pagtama is a reality TV story producer by day and a miniature sweets jewelry maker by night (www.littlesweetthing.etsy.com) (if you are ever in need of cufflinks that look like macarons, you now know where to go). She is a Los Angeles native who loves sunshine and the beach. She still rents girly DVDs and works with a utility belt.

What's in your bag? When you pack for a trip, in your handbag, in the pockets of your jeans...?

In my handbag I usually always have (when I haven't forgotten) my iPhone, my wallet, keys, my lipstick of the day (which I usually always forget to reapply), DVDs I should return and pamphlets and receipts I forget to throw out. If I'm traveling for work I'll pack my iPad, my laptop, a camera, chargers, a small portable table, a utility belt to hold a walkie, lots of pens and an umbrella in addition to all the clothing basics. In my pockets, usually my phone or change.

You have five minutes to pack up -- for a trip of uncertain duration. What do you take?

Passport, jacket, wallet, phone, computer, camera and I'll probably grab a handful of clothing if I only have five minutes!

What is your most essential article of clothing?

Tank tops -- I usually never wear them by themselves unless it's hot out but I usually wear camisole like tank tops under everything. They just make me feel comfy!

What are the top five songs you need to have access to hearing at all times?

"One" - U2 (Cause it's beautiful)

"I Will" - The Beatles (One of the sweetest, most romantic songs ever)

"Yellow" - Coldplay (Reminds me of my boyfriend)

"Beautiful Day" - U2 (Keeps me positive and thankful)

"Firework" - Katy Perry (Pumps me up)

What is your preferred hummingbird beat/cities you like to frequent?

I love London though I don't get to frequent it a lot. One place I love going to frequently is the Los Olivos/Solvang area about an hour north of Los Angeles. Solvang is just a super cute kitschy Dutch village and Los Olivos is like a mini Napa Valley -- super romantic and beautiful.

What's something crazy that you did to follow your passion? (like, did you live out of your car for a month? Drive 10 hours to pick up a certain, weird material you needed?)

I have been known to frequent every Joann's or Michael's in a 30-mile radius at times when looking for crafts supplies. This isn't so "crazy," but I think one of the bravest things I did was show my jewelry to the awesome and highly influential Dannielle Kyrillos, a judge on one of the shows I work on who had a a segment on The Today Show. She liked my jewelry so much she featured it in her segment and it was one of the best moments of my life!

What is one tip you have for traveling -- a beauty tip, a survival tip, a culinary tip... ?

Definitely get your security check routine down when going through the airport. Make sure your computer/iPad is easily accessible to take out of your carry on and wear shoes that you can easily take off if asked to. A culinary tip would be to try local restaurants where you are visiting. Ask your hotel for a great local restaurant and not a tourist trap. Eat like the locals eat and try the most regional dish.

What makes you a good house guest?

I'm pretty polite and easy to get along with! Manners go a long way and I love getting to know people.

What's a recent or favorite meal you had while bouncing around the globe?

One thing I won't forget is eating spaghetti carbonara in Florence, Italy. It was like having pasta correctly for the first time. As soon as I took the first bite I thought "I've been having pasta all wrong up until this point!"

Where have you had your best night's sleep?

Always at home, though king beds in five star hotels are always a good night's sleep.

Who would you like to travel with -- three people (you guys can caravan together or on separate trips)?

I would chose my boyfriend because he loves to travel and see new places as much as I do. Plus, he knows me the best. Ahh, can I only pick three?! I would also take my cousin Josie, because she makes me laugh and she's always so much fun to be around. If I could take three more people and pretend it's one person I'd take my parents and brother cause I love them so much!