Friday, March 13, 2009

3 kinds of comfort

Pasta Carbonara from "The Urban Vegan: 250 Street-Smart, Animal-Free Recipes"

Pasta
A little comfort goes a long way. Like many people, I think pasta is the ultimate comfort food. When paired with the smoky-creaminess of this thick carbonara sauce, you get a double-dose of food-induced serenity.

This recipe will appear in the cookbook, but if you just can't wait and are craving some carby comfort of your own, the recipe appears on my original blog. It tastes best the night it's made. So invite some friends over, uncork the wine and put some water on to boil.


Live Music
I heard some great live music last month including:

Mariza, the famed fado singer from Portugal. Fado is, in essence, Portugal's version of the blues: sad, emotional songs about sailors lost at sea and sleepless nights. Mariza's voice was mournfully crisp, clear and expressive, and she was as elegant and graceful as a butterfly.


Esperanza Spalding, a 20-something bass prodigy with an amazingly unctuous jazz voice. She is one of Berklee College of Music's youngest professors. Watch her. She's on a fast track to the top.

Buttons, Buttons...

Many of you have asked about Buttons. She's still a bit skittish, but other than this, you'd never know she'd lived in the gutter for so many years. I'm honestly astonished by her progress and still get a bit teary-eyed when I see her joyfully flinging around a stuffed mouse or play-wrestling with Pablo – even though she is half his size [she's a tough little girl]. She also meows at me and coyly approaches me for regular "scratchings." As you can see, she adores napping on this lime green chair. Doesn't she look cute in her little tuxedo?

24 comments:

LizNoVeggieGirl said...

PASTA!!!!

Aww Buttons :-)

Vita-VEGAN-Vegamin said...

What a sweet kitty!

Tami said...

Your carbonara rocks hard.

tavolini said...

I'm glad she's doing well!!

Thanks for mentioning the musicians--I've never heard of either. Sounds like a good time to youtube ;)

Have a great weekend!

Eating Consciously said...

I agree. Pasta is the ULTIMATE comfort food ;)

MeloMeals said...

Yay Buttons!

..and I just spent around 15 minutes listening to Esperanza Spalding and Mariza.... I have to say I love them both, but Esperanza Spalding is blowing my mind! She reminds me of a new Joni Mitchell on crack.. in a very good way!

MeloMeals said...

..oh and the food well. yes... I have said it before and I'll say it again.. can't wait for the book!

DJ said...

pasta, music and kitty love - sounds perfect to me!

Amey said...

I'm afraid you might just have to rename your blog BUTTONS (tiny subtitle "and urban vegan").

Buttons is wonderful! I"m so amazed by the courage of these sweet feral critters. I love the picture, queen of the roost!

Anonymous said...

I always get the "itis" when I eat a big bowl of pasta! Can't beat good food & good music! :)

Amy said...

Mmmm pasta!!!!

And awww Buttons *love*.

London Mabel said...

Good for you for taking care of Buttons. It's lots of work, and emotionally too.

Unknown said...

Everything and everyone in the universe responds to love. I'm glad you and Buttons connected! No mistake that you found her. I'm happy for the both of you. Love the pasta too!!!

Anonymous said...

Carbonara...Yummy!

Oh I just love Buttons, I'm so glad you saved her:) BTW, thanks for the update on her.

Peace, Love and Veganism said...

Oooh... we had pasta last night. Yum! Can't wait for spring weather and fresh tomatoes in the sauce! Cats are amazing creatures.

Cynthia said...

Live music - oh yeah!

Sally said...

This Friday Snack Bar (20th and Walnut) is making their specials all vegan! They plan on having vegan gnocchi and fried risotto balls and more. This is to kick off their adding more veg options to the menu and celebrate Meat Out day.

Anonymous said...

Love your blog and a I can't wait for your book! I am also very active in cat rescue/shelter work and the Rocky Mountain Alley Cat Alliance and so I was thrilled to read about Buttons and the pics are just precious.

buffalodick said...

Regarding the cat, ya did good... You are a decent person, which is my highest compliment I give to the living! A heart linked with a soul is a beautiful thing...

dreamy said...

U have a new blog! nice!
I like the updates on buttons, please post more :)

mamapasta said...

pasta is one of my favourite, all kind of flour, all kind of sauce, all kind of shape !

Anonymous said...

I'm glad to see Buttons is adjusting somewhat. It's great that you have been able to help her. The pasta looks wonderful. I will be trying that very soon. Yummy.

Tanya Kristine said...

wait. are you adopting her?

Fred Smilek said...

Those look like some very interesting shows, with very talented muscians.
www.fredjsmilek.com