OMMMMMmg

There's little to quibble about when you find out you've landed in Nirvana.

Did you know it's in Johnson County? Neither did I.

Hot Basil sings with sparkling flavor, better than good ambiance and no distraction.

I can't tell you how happy I am to have finally found a small place that doesn't mess with what they do best, serve up delicious Thai.

The crispy coconut shrimp and sweet potatoes is radiant.

I'll leave the exclamations to you - but tell Leechai hello for me.

Truffles anyone?

On fries.

Lunching at WestChase Grille captured me and a Tastebud today.

The cool thing about this place is how open, warm and friendly it is. Plus, the food is so good. I delved into a steaming pot of French onion soup all gooey with bubbly cheese and chunks of onions, perfect on this snowy day. Accompanied by a spinach salad it was enough...or so I thought.

We were delighted with a plate of piping hot fries, all jazzed up with truffle oil. These yums are worth every crispy crumb.

Go say hi to Chase and John - tell them you've got to try the fries.

Thanks and No mis-givings

It's that time....turkey time. I'm banging this out while waiting for the bird. Considering that Thanksgiving is my most favorite holiday, I don't mind dishing all the sides and mains for my ravenous guests. Why not. It's a happy opening to what could prove to be a sweet season ahead.

Setting the table is a treat. This year, I've pulled colors from a rich palette including cinnamon, mustard, lime green and smoky burgundy. On my walk this a.m., I stopped to grab some gorgeous maple leaves to sprinkle around. Found pencil-thin, lime-green candles at Creative Candles and stuck them in pretty glass vases.

When it's all said and done, this table, family and food should be memorable.

Can't wait for nap time!!!

Happy Trails

No, I'm not in Kansas anymore.

Rather, it's Tanque Verde dude ranch outside of Tucson. What a lovely place to kick back, ride the trail and generally feel like you're in an old Western.

Hot, good food, great casitas, three pools and those cacti....wow. This place backs up to the saguaro National Park. The whole place is impressive and worth a week. Be a cowboy/girl and giddie-up. www.tanqueverderanch.com

Grazing in the grass

Baa Baa ....you know the rest. Put Green Dirt Farm on your bucket list. Periodically, this lovely farm tucked into the hillside outside of Weston hosts a farm-to-table dinner.

Lamb was on the menu on our September evening. Picture this: sheep grazing on the slope, deep indigo sky, 30 people eating in an open-air barn. The food, crafted over 3-hours, was lovely. Add in wine pairings plus a gorgeous setting and you have what was a memory maker. If you get the chance go......................!

A bit of culture

It was a lovely fallish day when I decided to see what was up at The Nerman....you know, that perfectly beautiful white limestone cube on JCCC's campus. Not only do they have the most delicious art, they have Cafe Tempo. After a stroll mulling over the exhibitions, stop by this monochromatic little spot and, if the weather's cooperating, take lunch under the sky. I had the vibrant not-so-little salad...a perfect must for a perfect day.

Back from the road

It's been a bit since I've blogged in. That's because I've been logging miles and miles hitting the road south.

First it was a shoot in LaFayette, GA followed by shoots in Augusta then swinging up to Knoxville. All in all....2,300 miles. The cool thing was plenty of outstanding scenery, great folks and excellent food.

From grits and spicy ginger ale to a French bistro dinner on the banks of the Savannah River, the calories piled up but it was all well worth the slooooowww food and romance of southern cooking.

Now, back to biz I want everyone to know just how great One Bite Grill is. Owner, Erika Koike is really trying hard to please. Go in, tell her I told you so. She'll astound you with her modern Japanese fare. www.onebitegrill.com Oh, and don't forget to savor her shaved ice treat...it's just that!

Amen