Delightfully retro appetizers: my Mothers Worlds Best Cheese Ball (it is), Swedish meatballs (much more edible than I remembered), and crab dip (mental note: Hidden Valley Ranch is no substitute for whatever Maries Creamy Ranch is).

Why are simple broiled green beans so good? The holiday meal was great as usual: rare standing rib roast with deeply caramelized crust, perfectly balanced celeriac mashed potatoes, passable Yorkshire puddings; but the dish I couldnt get enough of (yet again) was simple broiled French green beans with shallots, garlic a Pecorino Romano/Parmesan blend.

Las Olas

Hanukkah driedel on South Beach (Lincoln Road).

Is it Sunday yet?

Sunset

These cartoonish reindeer have been a part of my holiday decor since I was in elementary school. I have no idea where they came from, though I think they have something to do with Garfield.