The Feathered Nest » review http://maisonbisson.com/nest The softer side of MaisonBisson Sun, 01 Nov 2009 15:24:53 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.6 en hourly 1 Cinematic Inspiration http://maisonbisson.com/nest/360/cinematic-inspiration/ http://maisonbisson.com/nest/360/cinematic-inspiration/#comments Wed, 12 Aug 2009 21:54:50 +0000 TowerGirl http://maisonbisson.com/nest/?p=360 Going home
I read the book Julie & Julia, and I loved it. I loved the connection between food and self. I loved that it showed the hard work that goes into marriage. I like that it showed that the hard work is worth it.  I have a passionate relationship with books I love. I become fiercely protective of them. So, when Hollywood decides to meddle with one of my books I am wary.

Today I went to see the movie. I will now confess that I enjoyed the movie too. It was more really good mac n’ cheese than coq au vin. It was comfort food. It was satisfying. It combined the things I love: food, writing, commitment, and the celebration of imperfection. It served them up with a big ol’ side of hope.

I left the theater and went the grocery store. Right now, the house is filled with the smell of garlic and roast chicken. I don’t claim to be an expert on the cinema. I don’t really claim to be an expert on anything. All I know is I watched the movie and then felt an overwhelming need to cook. I give this film two thumbs up and those thumbs are covered in garlic-y, buttery goodness.

]]> http://maisonbisson.com/nest/360/cinematic-inspiration/feed/ 0 Natural Choice Market http://maisonbisson.com/nest/6/natural-choice-market-hooksett-nh-organic-food-store/ http://maisonbisson.com/nest/6/natural-choice-market-hooksett-nh-organic-food-store/#comments Sat, 29 Dec 2007 10:53:58 +0000 TowerGirl http://towergirl.wordpress.com/2007/12/29/sample-post-1-natural-choice-market/ Natural Choice MarketNew Hampshire is a state without a Whole Foods Market, Traders Joe’s, or Dean and DeLuca. While I have been known to allow an occasional lament to pass my lips, the truth is I believe we are fortunate. Without the “big boys” in the way, many independent, locally owned stores and co-ops have emerged to fill our desire for quality food. In fact, a new store opened recently in Hooksett.

Natural Choice Market is housed in a newly constructed large, barn-like structure. The golden wood tones, inside and out, are warm and inviting. It’s nice to be in there. The staff is friendly and helpful without hovering in an irritating way. The small produce section was vibrant and so much more appealing than the wears that stock the shelves of the behemoth chain groceries. The shelves and coolers are thoughtfully stocked and many local artisans are represented. If you take a moment to ask one of the helpful staff a question, you will find they know a lot about their products. We picked up a couple of loaves of bread made by Abigail’s Bakery in Weare, NH and a couple of pints of ice cream from Walpole Creamery. I’m coming back for more, as soon as I have polished off all the holiday leftovers crowding my fridge.

]]> http://maisonbisson.com/nest/6/natural-choice-market-hooksett-nh-organic-food-store/feed/ 0 Walpole Creamery Ice Cream http://maisonbisson.com/nest/5/walpole-creamery-ice-cream/ http://maisonbisson.com/nest/5/walpole-creamery-ice-cream/#comments Sat, 29 Dec 2007 10:04:58 +0000 TowerGirl http://towergirl.wordpress.com/2007/12/30/sample-post-2-walpole-creamery-ice-cream/ Walpole CreameryWhile at Natural Choice Market yesterday, Casey and I picked up a couple of pints of Walpole Creamery ice cream to share with my parents after lunch at their house. We selected chocolate chip and grapenut. The chocolate chip was devine. The base was creamy and wonderfully vanilla-y. The chips were generously sized and provided a perfect dark chocolate bite to contrast with the vanilla base. The four of us happily polished off the container. The grapenut had a nice nutty flavor, but I had texture issues. The grapenuts made the ice cream too grainy. I suppose this is the nature of grapenuts but I wasn’t a fan. The good news is there are other flavors to try – and I will. Walpole Creamery has some seasonal flavors that sound excellent. I missed the fall pumpkin, but fortunately there’s always next year.

]]> http://maisonbisson.com/nest/5/walpole-creamery-ice-cream/feed/ 0