Jonathan Waxman on His New Cookbook, "Italian, My Way"

Last December, I fell in love with Barbuto. Yes, it is an Italian restaurant in New York's Meatpacking District, but no, this is not one of the many that has opened within the past few years, distinguishable only by location and specialty pasta. Jonathan Waxman opened Barbuto seven years ago and just released a new cookbook, Italian, My Way: More Than 150 Simple and Inspired Recipes That Breathe New Life Into Italian Classics. As the title indicates, it is inspired by Barbuto's menu's welcoming and unpretentious food: salumi, polenta with mushrooms, salad, bruschetta, pastas, fried potatoes, and of course, the signature Jonathan Waxman roasted chicken. Recently, I caught up with Waxman to discuss the book. Read my conversation with him on The Huffington Post. 

Where to Take Your Mom for Brunch on Mother's Day

Photographed by Arthur Elgort for VogueIt's that time of year again. Time to tell--and show--your mother how much she means to you. Nothing beats serving your mom a homemade breakfast in bed in bed, but if you don't trust you cooking skills, take her out for a delicious meal instead. I’ve scoured the country for the best restaurants offering up Mother’s Day menus and came up with a list of brunch spots that are Vogue-tested, mom-approved.

Read them all here...and don't forget to send flowers if you can't see your mom in person!

Lace to the Altar: The Story Behind Catherine Middleton’s Dress Sleeves

Photo: (from left) Courtesy of Sophie Hallette; Paul Hackett - WPA Pool/Getty ImagesAll eyes were on Catherine Middleton's dress this morning. Despite speculation otherwise, she chose fellow Brit Sarah Burton to design the royal wedding dress. However, the lace for her Grace Kelly–esque dress came from Sophie Hallette, a small, family-owned company in Caudry, France. 

To learn more, check out my article on vogue.com...

Out of Africa

Untitled (Two Women), Seydou Keita; Bottega Veneta tote Bottega Veneta printed canvas and leather tote, $950; net-a-porter.com Photo: Courtesy of Museum of Fine Arts, Boston; Courtesy of Net-A-Porter.com (bag) From beaded, fringed jewelry to bright woven scarves, the vibrant clothing worn by inhabitants of South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria and other African countries is on display in “Global Patterns: Dress and Textiles in Africa,” at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, now through January 2012. The exhibit focuses on the African textile artists’ use of the glass beads, buttons, and fabrics that were first introduced by European traders 500 years ago; it resonates with fashion’s current focus on African prints for spring. Too busy to make it to Massachusetts despite the exhibition’s long run? You can still score any number of this season’s abundance of African prints—Bottega Veneta’s turquoise print tote, Zero + Maria Cornejo’s patchwork patterned dress, and Fenton’s tribal mask necklace, to name a few. Check out a few of Vogue's favorites pieces with works from the exhibit in the slideshow on Vogue.com.

April 2, 2011 Dinner Party

Is the dinner party dead for urban professionals in their twenties and thirties? (I would use the word "yuppy," but then it sounds like I'm referring to Ross, Phoebe, and the gang in their unrealistically large NY apartment.) Yes, people (including my friends who work in finance and fashion--and even my trainer) are watching food television shows more than ever, but who is actually cooking? The first recipe books were written by gourmands and the chefs to wealthy patrons. In post-WWII America, housewives across the country tried to impress husbands and guests with haute French cuisine (thank you, Julia Child), and cookbooks and etiquette books were written on the art of the dinner party and entertaining. While feminists no doubt cheered the removal of home-ec from school curricula, most Americans today consider cooking a form of delivery, take-out, or microwaving. To sell, recipes, cookbooks, and tv shows must emphasize ease, simplicity, and comfort. 

I am going to revive--single-handedly if need be--the art of the dinner party by hosting regular meals for family and friends. For more images and recipes from the first, check out the column "Eating In" above.

bon appétit!