Stories of Life and Food (and Pizza)

During my sabbatical, I've been catching up on things that-I-like-to-do-that-I-never-really-have-time-to-do-while-working. Teaching myself photo-editing, playing video games, and reading. They are some of the activities that I find leisurely and relaxing.

Most recently, I read "A Homemade Life: Stories and Recipes from My Kitchen Table" by Molly Wizenberg. I first learned about Molly from her blog "Orangette". I discovered her blog back while working at my old job. In the latter months, the work day often was a bit slow, and I passed my time reading various technology and culinary blogs (they were independent of one another). In many ways her blog is what I aspire mine to be. Not neccesarily because of the popularity, but more because she draws you in with her stories of food and life. I would love my blog to have the same traits -- that I can share my tales and photographs of my travels and food related adventures with you, the reader.

Anyway, few months ago, Molly penned some of her life stories and published them onto the pages of a book. And at the end of each chapter, she includes recipes from the particular experience. Much like her blog, her book is a breezy yet insightful look at some of the experiences that have shaped her food related life.

I tell you all of this is because I just finished reading her book a couple weeks ago. (I would have probably finished it sooner, but B book-napped it while I was in the middle of it, and managed to finish it before I really could tell it was gone.) Both B and I really enjoyed it. But one of my favorite things about the book is that with the recipes that Molly's included in each chapter, not only can we read about the experience, but we have the opportunity taste it as well. And that makes for an unique literary experience.

So if you're looking for some light reading, I recommend "A Homemade Life". Be warned though, you might want to eat something before cracking open the book. Otherwise, you might be hungry afterwards.

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PS- In case that wasn't enough, I have one more reason to be a big fan. Recently, she and her husband opened a pizza restaurant in Ballard called Delancey. And it's my new favorite pizza place. Her husband Brandon, much like many from New York, has a deep love of pizza. So much so he decided to research some of the nation's most iconic and popular pizzas, and develop his own. The result? The best pizza crust I've ever had. It's smoky and slightly charred from the wood-fire oven, thin but not cracker crispy, with a bit of chewiness that I love. Top that with some fresh ingredients, and you've got a pizza winner. Mmm... just thinking about it makes me want to go back again. If by chance you go and visit, I highly recommend the homemade fennel sausage. Plus there is an appetizer of the best ever fresh mozzerella. I can't remember the name, but WOW. Order them both. You'll thank me later.

A Book Report (alternatively, Trip Envy)

Although I still have 247 days (as of this posting) until I leave for my Antarctica trip, I've been reading up on the icy continent in an effort to get my Antarctic fix. Between scouring the web and returning home with a stack of books from the local library, I've found some pretty good material.

So far though, the best find has been a book called "Life on the Ice: No One Goes to Antarctica Alone" by Roff Smith. In his book, two vantage points weave through the narrative. One is a glimpse into what life is like for the hundreds of people (scientists, military, staffers) from various nations living on the continent of Antarctica. The lengths of their stays are as varied as their backgrounds. But regardless, they are all bonded by the communal living conditions. The second perspective of the book shares his personal observations as a visitor. His enthusiasm to explore the continent is infectious; I can't help but get excited for my trip. Throughout his book, he is constantly filled with with the wonder, awe, and excitement, that are typically only found in the eyes of a child. It is this energy that makes the book a joy to read.

So here's the rub-- Mr. Smith was given granted access to military/scientific bases that most of us will never be able to visit, and a chartered sailboat that most of us will never be able to afford. Because of these advantages, his narrative portrays unique and rare experiences not common for even the Antarctic "locals". Hence, I am extremely envious of his adventures. I find myself wishing I could explore the continent as he did... to live a scientific station for a couple weeks, to peer down into the crater of Mt. Erebus and see the glow of a permanent lava lake, to chopper over the vast icescape, and to sail through the pristine crystal waters that very few people have ever seen. Compared to his time and experience on the frozen continent, my trip this December looks miniscule and pultry. I constantly remind myself that I too have been given an opportunity to visit a place that is out of reach (whether by remoteness or by expense) for many other people. And for that I am very lucky.