early november flowers, smoked trout and spinach salad bento

Amazing that despite some very cold nights, flowers here are persisting. On a walk through Old Town Alexandria yesterday, roses and dahlias in the Christ Church garden:

Yummy pastries at Le Pain Quotidien

I purchased some Blood Orange marmalade but am still dreaming of that pistachio treat!

Today's bento features baby spinach and smoked trout, red cabbage cooked with some of the lovely blood orange preserves, golden beet flowers, lady apple (love the flavor combination of smoked trout and apple) green beans and a wedge of pumpkin spice bread made by our friend Cheryl (thanks again C.!)

Have a relaxing and fun weekend, guys!

chirimen colors bento

Hi bento pals! Today's bento was inspired by some lovely items shared by a sweet bento friend, especially the vibrant tones of this beautiful chirimen charm:

In the bento we have a purple market pepper filled with a brown rice, black barley and daikon radish seed pilaf (mix from Trader Joe's) with pistachios and a late golden tomato slice. Leg of lamb cooked with bourbon peaches (more on that in a minute!) with garlic-mayo dressing and fresh mint. The pretty flower-shaped wafer was sent by my bento pal, another one graces the baby spinach and snow pea top salad with sauteed chanterelle mushrooms.

For dessert, dried papaya slices and some lovely chocolates from my bento buddy.

 The chilly temperature last night inspired Jamison to make a cozy aromatic lamb dish. Spice (including star anise and cinnamon, yum) and vanilla marinated pears and bourbon peaches roasted along side a lovely New Zealand leg of lamb...a delicious meal with great leftovers for bento!

Happy November!

october into november

 Saturday was the last farmer's market for the season (that we'll be able to walk to, anyway). I've never seen leaves still on the peppers, as here:

 Happy apple (in a shirt and tie!)

Cute terrier sporting a Halloween scarf:

We went back to Old Town Leesburg to explore some more--stopping this time for a late breakfast at the Leesburg Restaurant, in business since the mid 19th century. In the present, it features charmingly worn 1930's details throughout:

Tasty veggie omelet with zucchini and peppers and home fries....

Many colorful flowers in bloom, even as we enter November:

A white picket fence festooned with vibrant morning glories:

Delicate pink camellia

Lots of nostalgic pleasure to be found in a rambling antique shop with endless rooms to explore...

Copper terrier cookie cutters...hmmm, bento inspiration!

A nifty 1930's cookbook

Vintage kawaii--a hand embroidered ladybug with umbrella!

A plump guy...

Today's bento was inspired by this cute nibbler...a squirrel shaped pastry filled with spiced kabocha squash.  Broccoli, chanterelle and baby bella mushrooms, market greens and a lady apple also for lunch.

Have a great week!