Yesterday, I ventured out to see The Fabulous Beekman Boys in Groton, New York. They were doing a book signing for their two books, The Bucolic Plague and their new cookbook, The Beekman 1802 Heirloom Cookbook. I already own The Bucolic Plague as an e-book but was looking forward to picking up a copy of the cookbook so I could get it signed.
A little about Groton. Groton is a tiny town about 45 minutes from my home. I had never been there before but knew it was very rural. I found visiting this village was like stepping back in time. The remnants of its Victorian beginnings are still visible (the library has been beautifully preserved) but it appears time stood still right around 1958. You can almost hear the theme from The Andy Griffith Show playing as its soundtrack.
I also found the only 7-11 I've ever seen in Upstate New York. Too bad I don't eat chili cheese dogs anymore!
I found my way to the library using these charming local goats as a clue to its location.
Inside the library, I found a packed house with Josh and Brent signing books and greeting fans. As many of you may know, the "boys" won The Amazing Race last week and I'm sure it has brought a new flock of fans not to mention a $1,000,000 prize.
One line was reserved for those buying cookbooks with a second line for those waiting to meet Josh and Brent and get said cookbook autographed. I chatted with the ladies in line sharing my best Beekman Boys trivia and sharing pictures of myself with them. I'm sure they were thrilled.
It wasn't until it was my turn to pick up the cookbook that they announced they were sold out but books could be ordered with signed copies would available for pick up at a later date. This wasn't what I wanted so I relinquished my place in line and slipped out the door. I knew I'd be seeing them in Ithaca on Monday and would have the chance to get a copy signed in person then.
Since the weather was picture perfect, I decided to drive 35 miles to my friend's winery on Cayuga Lake in Interlaken, NY. Americana Vineyards is a beautiful winery with outstanding wines. The resident labs, Max and Rubie have their very own clever blog and Max was waiting for me on the front deck when I arrived.
The winery has a fantastic little cafe to which I love to introduce my friends. The last time I was there, it was with a dear friend from Massachusetts who crossed my mind many times as I sat inside enjoying my lunch with a glass of Chardonnay.
Today's choice was pure indulgence; cheddar, Gruyere, goat cheese, smoked gouda and tomato on sourdough bread. I ate half and saved half as a culinary souvenir a.k.a. lunch for the next day.
Next stop: Hosmer Winery to visit my high school sweetheart who works there. It was a quiet day in the Finger Lakes so he and I caught up for a few minutes before I stole a hug and went on my way.
On my way home, I decided to stop in Ithaca to the bookstore where "the boys" would be doing their book signing on Monday night. Buffalo Street Books is a cool community-owned co-op bookstore inside DeWitt Mall near the Ithaca Commons. The DeWitt Mall also boasts one of Ithaca's best eateries, The Moosewood Restaurant which is famous not only for its wholesome and delicious food but many cookbooks.
I scored a cookbook and decided to do a little shopping on the commons. After dodging a very friendly and persistent Greenpeace volunteer soliciting donations and members, I popped into a few stores in search of Christmas gifts for the last few people on my list. Alas, the only thing I ended up coming home with was a bottle of Ralph's Momma Sauce, my son's favorite. He will get this along with another gift for his 23rd birthday this week.
When I got home, I still had wanderlust so I decided to go to my favorite local place, Aiello's Restaurant. All my friends tease me about how much time (and money) I spend here but it's truly become a second home to me. Their mussels appetizer is to die for so I had that and two Guinnesses before heading home; wanderlust satisfied and ready to climb into bed with my pup.
