Thursday, January 12, 2012

Does She Bake an Apple Pie?


"What do you want to do for your birthday?"

"Um.  Nothing."


"I was thinking we could have a few people here."

"Maybe it would be easier to go out."


"I was thinking I might cook."

"What?"


"I was thinking I might cook."

"The dinner?"


"Yes, the dinner."

"What were you thinking of making me?"


"Happy?"

"I'm already happy."


"I'll figure it out."


So I am making Julia Child's Boeuf Bourguignon, a Brussel Sprout Salad with arugula, bacon, cranberries and parmesan with honey mustard dressing and a Triple-Layer Carrot Cake with cream cheese frosting.  Favorites all.  I am hoping that I can pay as close attention to detail as Mr. Gambrel has here.

All images from srgambrel.com.
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25 comments:

  1. Todd the BruceJanuary 12, 2012 at 10:37 PM

    I am loving these rooms! And brussels sprouts!

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  2. AnonymousJanuary 13, 2012 at 1:50 AM

    Are you sharing recipes?

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  3. pve designJanuary 13, 2012 at 5:31 AM

    I think anything would taste better in those rooms.
    pve

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  4. Dalai LinaJanuary 13, 2012 at 6:56 AM

    Can I come! :)

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  5. TracyF.January 13, 2012 at 7:07 AM

    Beautiful rooms. I would love to have the Brussels sprouts salad recipe! Could you share it? Thanks.

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  6. Sandy DonnJanuary 13, 2012 at 7:09 AM

    Seriously. . .must have that salad recipe if you care to share.

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  7. maryJanuary 13, 2012 at 7:38 AM

    I love the menu--I made Julia's Boeuf Bourguignon for Christmas Eve and it was delish. I used tritip for the beef and arabiata spaghetti sauce instead of the tomato called for. And I made it the day before.......it was divine and I basically took it easy Christmas Eve, I love Steven Gambrel's work (I have an antique French wallpaper screen in the same scene as the photo of the dining room), but the view of the stairway in making me very dizzy. Have a wonderful Bday party--you rock!
    Mary

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  8. AnonymousJanuary 13, 2012 at 8:06 AM

    Oh my if the brussel sprout salad is yummy I'd love the recipe!!!! xoxo Franco

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  9. RJacksonJanuary 13, 2012 at 8:24 AM

    I love your writing style, the photos are beautiful and the carrot cake sounds divine (as the rest of the meal does)! Happy Birthday, Mr. Blandings!

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  10. FoodieJanuary 13, 2012 at 8:30 AM

    The meal sounds lovely. I fear that Mr. Gambrel's work is starting to look like stage sets. Over-decorated. But I'm sure I'm alone in that sentiment.

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  11. Mrs. BlandingsJanuary 13, 2012 at 8:30 AM

    SALAD RECIPE TO FOLLOW - I WILL POST IT MONDAY - PROMISE.

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  12. KarenaJanuary 13, 2012 at 9:16 AM

    Gorgeous details I love the bedroom with the blue alabaster lamp.

    Your dinner menu sounds delish! Perfect for this frigid Kansas City weather. Happy Birthday to Mr B!

    Xoxo
    Karena

    Art by Karena

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  13. betsy and emilyJanuary 13, 2012 at 9:46 AM

    I would like to eat the carrot cake whilst sitting on that staircase. Amazing

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  14. SuzanneJanuary 13, 2012 at 9:51 AM

    It all sounds lovely, and then some. Can't wait to see your salad recepe. But Julia Child's Boeuf Bourguignon . . .that dish was the focal point of so many special occasions in our house when I was growing up; I can smell and taste it as I type. Thanks for the warm memory, and a v happy B'day to Mr. B.

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  15. peggy braswellJanuary 13, 2012 at 10:43 AM

    Happy Birthday to you + good luck with the dinner party sounds delicious. Beautiful images. xxpeggybraswelldesign.com

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  16. Mrs. BlandingsJanuary 13, 2012 at 11:21 AM

    Foodie - you are not alone, and I agree, in fact. The last project that seemed personal to me at all was the previous Sag Harbor house. That said, his use of color is often magical and I appreciate so much his unapologetic, strong masculine tone. Nothing muddy, always crisp.

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  17. ThomasJanuary 13, 2012 at 11:41 AM

    All around great post- menu sounds perfect- You do know that carrot cake is a vegetable, right?

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  18. Amy (Minimally Invasive)January 13, 2012 at 12:09 PM

    Oh, that meal sounds delicious. Julia Child's Boeuf Bourguignon is my favorite, especially at this time of year.

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  19. Ann MarieJanuary 13, 2012 at 2:58 PM

    Mrs. Blandings and Foodie,
    I was getting a bit tired of his work, but some of this townhouse left my mouth gaping....Wow! The dining room is to die for...it is almost colonial totally modernized....love it! Also love the blue door at the end of the hallway and the use of black. Thank you so much for posting.

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  20. AnonymousJanuary 13, 2012 at 9:30 PM

    First I read the dialogue as though YOU were the lead. Then I read the dialogue as though Mr. B were the lead. It worked both ways, except in the former you were quite the better wit. Happy Birthday to either and both of you, the menu also works both ways but God I'd die for a slice or two of that cake. Still trying to work out the titular apple pie, somehow to no avail, but loving Gambrel's use of colored bookcase and ceiling inset panels. Inspired, even!

    -Flo

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  21. red tickingJanuary 13, 2012 at 10:57 PM

    this is one of the most darling posts i have ever read... and may i come for dinner? or save me the leftovers? xx

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  22. JWCJanuary 14, 2012 at 9:37 AM

    The diningroom is a masterpiece. Scenic wallpaper and brass chairs? Completely fantastic.

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  23. Mrs. BlandingsJanuary 15, 2012 at 10:44 PM

    Sorry to cause any confusion. I've mentioned now and again that I don't cook much and Bill cooks really well. It was his birthday.

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  24. cotedetexasJanuary 18, 2012 at 9:14 PM

    i love that - "happy" incredible.

    wishing there was a picture of the dining room though.

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  25. Lou ArcherJanuary 19, 2012 at 8:10 AM

    That's it, you've inspired me to decorate.... or move house. Can't decide!

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Thank you for taking the time to leave a message. I am quite willing to publish remarks that criticize me, but will likely delete disparaging remarks targeted at someone else.