Foodcation

The art of dining al fresco 

This trip to Africa was a true vacation for the taste buds, our chef at Sabora even packed us a delicious dinner for our long journey home (which saved us from having to eat the somewhat questionable food at Kilimanjaro airport, and risk Montezuma's revenge on a 9 hour flight). Thanks Singita! 

We were shocked to discover that food in the middle of the Serengeti could be some of the best cuisine we've ever tasted?!? In fact, we enjoyed the food so much that we made up a song entitled "Spices From Zanzibar" to give these exotic flavors the praise they so deserve.
 
They've even established The Singita School of Cooking, which encourages and helps develop the skills of local youth that have an interest in cooking.

Breakfast - Sasakwa Lodge - Abraham served us a healthy & delicious assortment of fruit, yogurt, juice, and muesli at our cottage. They made some killer scrambled eggs, and the pastries with jam were sublime. We had to be very aware of our toast though, because the monkeys would jump down from the roof and snatch it right out of our hands.

Lunch - It was a tie between Faru Faru & Sabora - At Faru Faru, they serve a different platter of Mediterranean inspired meze fare every afternoon. They made the best gaspatcho I've ever tasted. Then we moved on to Sabora, where they created  the most inventive cold soups, sandwiches and salads, that were out of this world. We had to ask the chef for the cold zucchini and mint soup recipe. Yum!! I also sipped on my very first Pimm's Cup in the Serengeti, both thirst quenching and delicious.

Faru Faru- Our friend Paul serving us the most delicious meze fare platter, ever!

Faru Faru Dessert

Cold Zucchini & Mint Soup

Apollo had a Pimm's Cup waiting for us after a long morning game drive.

Dinner - At Singita, every night they try to top themselves and make each meal even more spectacular than the last. At the end of the day I'll always prefer a casual, yet stunningly beautiful and romantic al fresco dinner, which happened to be our very last night of the trip. Our friend Apollo and his team set up the most beautiful scene right outside our tent, lanterns and candles, champagne, and Persian rugs with pillows to star gaze. They've perfected the art of dining al fresco. There was even a lion pride that strolled by as we were eating...luckily they were more interested in the zebra. Few things can compare to dining by an open fire and gazing up at the Serengeti ceiling, with all of its flicking glory, as you stare directly into the past. 

Singita: Sasakwa Lodge

Welcome to Singita - 'place of miracles'

The story goes that the Grumeti Reserve was one of the most poached and hunted areas of the Serengeti, leaving it squandered and lifeless. An American Hedge Fund owner and conservationist, Paul Tudor Jones II, decided to lease the land for 99 years and pay the enormous hunting fees associated with it. He set about restoring the land first by hiring poachers to form an anti-poaching guard to protect the land. Today, 12 years later, the Grumeti Reserve is the most prolific location for wildlife in the Serengeti National Park. In fact, guides from outside the Grumeti have been know to ask Singita how they keep the animals in the reserve. 

Singita's mission above all else is to preserve and protect the land and the animals that inhabit it, they also strive to uplift, educate and employ the communities around them that share that land. 

Everything about Singita makes you feel good, it's a win/win for everyone involved. They protect the land and the animals with the money from the guests, the lodges employ the locals, the poachers are paid to stop poaching and guard the land, and they raise awareness with the guests and the local communities about the importance of guardianship and conservancy. 

Interesting fact: The Grumeti is home to a single female rhino that lives in a large area (near Sasakwa) that is fenced-in to protect her from poachers and elephants. This female rhino and another male rhino were originally born in the Serengeti and transported to a zoo in the UK, many years later Singita brought them back to the Serengeti and protected them behind an electric fence, until one day an elephant broke through the fence and killed the male rhino, leaving the female all alone. They have a plan, years in the making, to find her a mate.
 
Sasakwa Lodge

December 30th, 2013 - January 1st, 2014

First stop, Sasakwa Lodge for two nights, I would say this is by far the most gentle safari experience of the three Singita lodges that we stayed at in the Grumeti. Perched on a hill, Sasakwa Lodge has a birds eye view of the grand Serengeti plains. The view is nothing less than stunning, it takes your breath away, and it.. is... memorizing. It's a vision much like Hawksview (Estate in St. John Between Trunk and Hawksnest Bay) that seduces the eye, leaving you no choice but to surrender to its magnificent glory. This dreamlike scene just yearns for your long gaze. It's easy to lose yourself, and hard to imagine that you could ever tire of that majestic vision of the vast plains and abundant nature. 

After the trip was complete I found that Sasakwa was truly the best first stop on our tour of the Grumeti, it's captivating to see the grandeur of the place that you're in, before you dig deep into its nooks and crannies. And it gives you great perspective on the adventure that you are about to embark upon. By this point no one is probably reading a word of this, I don't blame you...a picture is worth a thousand words. However, I will tell you that these pictures will never do it justice, because you can't breath the air, hear the sounds of nature all around you, and feel the gentle pink warmth of the sun slowing creeping above the horizon.

Off in the distance there's a large watering hole that is home to a mother, father, and baby hippo that we visited twice.

  Just imagine watching the great wildebeest migration from this vantage point! It's no wonder they call it the 'greatest wildlife spectacle on earth.' Although, I do have my own vision of what could make this natural marvel even more thrilling. I envision a full symphony orchestra set up right there on the lawn of Sasakwa, let's just say NY Philharmonic, playing the work that they commissioned, Dvorak's New World Symphony. Epic.

That famous African sunrise.

Sasakwa is definitely the most elegant and regal lodge, with its old-world charm and antiques. Let's just say it's not difficult to turn away from the view and gaze into the opulent manor house. In my case it was a constant back and forth, a true feast for the eyes. The lodge has a unmistakeable old wealth/British royalty vibe, and it would be impressive to see this manor house in any first world country, let alone in the middle of the Serengeti!! It boggled my mind to think of how they even built it...of course I asked, I had to. It took between 2,000-3,000 people, 12 months to build Sasakwa Lodge. I truly appreciate every detail that went into making Sasakwa what it is, a masterpiece. You can see that it's a labor of love, and a homage to the decadent and luxurious things in life. Yet I must say that with this type of luxury and opulence a certain kind of guest is attracted, luckily there's more than enough space to be secluded at most times. I felt so happy and blessed to be able to appreciate Singita through the eyes of a young woman born and raised in the inner city of Buffalo, NY,  because Sasakwa deserves that kind of gratitude, which from the looks of it, may just be another day in the lives of some of the other guests. But then again, I'll be the first to say, never judge a book by its cover.

Inside the lodge 

 Billiard Room

Peter tapping into his inner Terry Richardson on this one.

Tennis Pavilion

 Overlook

 Private Cottage & Pool

Side note: 

A few days after we got back from Africa I was at Eastern Market Nails visiting my favorite ladies, and a woman in her early 60's sat down next to me to get a pedi, I couldn't help but eavesdrop on her conversation, she had just gotten back from 5 weeks in South America and Antarctica! My ears perked up and my eyes widened. One of my friends at the nail salon asked me about the honeymoon and I mentioned Africa, the well traveled lady beside me  immediately turned toward me and struck up a conversation. She asked me where I had traveled to in Africa, and I said Tanzania, and then she gave me a look and I knew what she was thinking just from the look in her eyes. The next question was... Oh, where in Tanzania? 

I gave her the same look back and the nod, she exhaled with joy as I blurted out Singita Sasakwa Lodge! We both looked at each other with the same stunned look, as if we were part of some secret society. Oh my gosh!! right?? It 's the most beautiful place on earth. She had gone back twice after her first visit, not surprised. She returned specifically to watch the wildebeest migration.  Naturally I asked her, "You seem like quite a world traveler, where do I go from here? What is after Singita?" Unfortunately for me she gave me the 'you peaked to soon' look, and admitted, "yeah, you won't find anything else in the world like Singita Sasakwa." So....I guess that's it. There are other places I would love to visit, but now it's officially confirmed that nothing will be better than Singita, or even on the level of genuine and authentic hospitality, unprecedented cuisine, home-like and luxurious accommodations, and immersion in wildlife/nature. She did however recommend some other safaris and advised me to visit Botswana and South Africa next, our guide Joe at Singita said the same exact thing. Apparently the safari experience in Botswana is different, and just as amazing, you can get even closer to the animals. 

Sasakwa was the perfect way to start our first trip to the Serengeti, yet we were so excited to move on to the next lodge, Faru Faru, where we would get deeper into nature...


 



"Beyond the realms of common sense, beyond the inevitability that populations grow, but the land does not, and beyond the knowledge that Africa's pristine wild areas are in danger of disappearing more rapidly than most can imagine - it is an immutable law that the continent's future lies in the hands of those few who care deeply about her. It is in the hands of the people who have the passion, the knowledge and the dedication that is required to protect her from extinction - the ones who are destined to ensure that nature's cycles and equilibrium are upheld and handed down as a vital legacy to future generations."

- Singita Book

Safari Style Continued

If only we could all be as stylish and regal as the Grey Crowned Crane, these beautiful birds even know how to dance!!

Swimwear & Accessories -

Safari Suits 

 

Each of these bathing suits were hand selected to match the contrasting design and experience of each Singita lodge. I hope you enjoy my vision.

 

Above: Designed and lovingly handmade made in Australia, these spellbinding suits are really meant to be works of art. The brand claims to be the embodiment of a love for the beautiful things in life. I would have to agree. Visit WeAreHandsome.com 

 

 High-waist bikini by Beth Richards

Bikini by Victoria's Secret

 

My African jewelry box

Unique handmade jewelry from Etsy

 I was craving some colorful tassels for this trip to Africa. The top two bracelets were handmade by the etsy store www.feltlikepaper.etsy.com, the bottom bracelet was handemade by Courtney Akers at the etsy store www.BentbyCourtney.etsy.com, and the tassel earrings were handmade by Clare McGibbon at the etsy store www.awaysaway.etsy.com

Jewelry by Kendra Scott, Trina Turk, Martha Calvo

Jewelry by Forever 21

Gifted Jewelry

 Above: Thank you to my mother in-law Anka for the beautiful necklaces she brought back from the Dominican Republic, my sister Annie for the turquoise and gold studs, Amy for the turquoise earrings from Mexico, Jennifer for the bangles from India, my aunt Tee for the gold choker, and my old next door neighbor Kim for the hoop earrings. (When I lived on 18th Place NE I paid her electric bill once, and in return she took these spiky hoops out of her ears and gave them to me.)

 

Earrings from Amsterdam

Sasakwa Lodge window accents

Get your grey crowned crane on!

New Year's Eve Forever

New Year's Eve

For Peter and I, NYE is one of our most special occasions, it reminds us of how blessed we are to have each other and live the lives that we have set out to live. The end of a year together, growing in love, and the beginning of a complete blank canvas of a year couldn't be more thrilling. We go big every year.

On New Year's Eve 2011 we hadn't met each other yet, that night I was at a Jon Faddis concert at the Kennedy Center with my dear friend Lily and my father, later I found out that my future father in-law was in the audience enjoying the same concert! Our first official New Year's Eve was 2012, and that is when we set the bar.  

New York City. 

Suite at The Bowery. 

Dizzy's Club Coca Cola. 

Wynton Marsalis. 

DVF Red Sequin Gown and Double Breasted Suit.  

Rickshaw ride down 9th Ave. as Times Square was letting out, all the way to the after party at Sleep No More.

 

Bowery Hotel - December 31st, 2011

Dizzy's Club Coca Cola

Jammin' on Cowbell

Even with all of that my very favorite part of the night actually happened as we were leaving Dizzy's Club Coca Cola. As you walk out of the club there are these huge windows over looking Columbus Circle and a woman with her little daughter were looking out at the festivities. The little girl turned, saw me, and she started screaming as she barreled towards me. She kept screaming, "mommy, mommy look!!! It's a princess!!!" As she ran right into my arms, I knelt down and she jumped onto my lap. She hugged me tight and smiled ear to ear. Her mother was a sweet woman, I felt a kind presence from her, as she replied, "Yes, she is a princess and that is her prince,"she wanted her to believe and have hope in something. She kept reminding her daughter to be very careful not to rip my dress, but I didn't care, I wanted to make her night as much as she was making mine. She kissed my face and gently touched the sequins of my gown. There is something indescribable about the pure and untainted joy and innocence of a child. You could tell the woman and her daughter were not very well off, but they had so much love and kindness. I think the sweet lady wanted to show her daughter something special, on such a special occasion. The little girl looked at me and exclaimed, "Are you going to leave in your magic carriage??"I replied, "yes we are." I gave her one last hug, kissed her tiny hand, and Peter and I walked out on to Columbus Circle. Every cab in the city was taken, even Uber was unavailable, then all of a sudden out of no where a man on a Rickshaw offered to give us a ride. We took our modern day magic carriage all the way down 9th Avenue, just as millions of people poured out of Times Square, making it the greatest and most memorable ride of our lives. Some things can't be planned. I was living in a fairy tale bundled up in a blanket with my prince on the back of a Rickshaw. I never saw the little girl and her mother again, but i think of them often. They were the highlight of our NYE 2012.

 

New Year's Eve 2013 is one that will live on in infamy. We started the life changing day by snorkeling around the warm crystal clear waters of St. John USVI. The last place we snorkeled was Waterlemon Cay, one of my favorite spots. As we floated around we gazed at the usual starfish, stingrays, and rainbow parrotfish that inhabit the cay.

Waterlemon Cay

 

Delicious packed lunch from Sam & Jack's Deli at Waterlemon Beach

Then, out of blue, Peter  started to rush me, when really all I wanted to do was take a leisurely swim back to shore. I remember being slightly annoyed that he was hurrying us along on such a beautiful St. John afternoon, but I reluctantly went along with him. He said he had forgotten about a year end work deadline, and needed to hurry back to submit an expense and billing report before 6pm...hmmmm. I was totally clueless. I did however note that he wouldn't let me take his briefcase through security at the airport, even though it made us miss our flight, AND he was abnormally obsessed with the whereabouts of the safe at the villa...

We returned to Daffodil Villa, and just as the sun was setting over the beautiful turquoise Caribbean water, my prince proposed marriage. It was so heavenly and dreamlike that I had to ask him 5 times if it was real and if I was dreaming. He had me believe that we were setting the camera to take pictures of the sunset, and then he pressed record, came over to me, and dropped down on one knee. I will never forget the immense effort that Peter put into making that night perfect and special. From the gorgeous setting, to the loving promises, the delicious home cooked meal that followed, and not to forget the custom designed pear-shaped Padparadsha.

Aside from that very special moment, the trip itself was unforgettable. I loved driving, swimming, and hiking around St. John as we talked about our future together and what we wanted our wedding to be like. It was so much fun. I remember waking up with the sun every morning and having butterflies of excitement in my stomach at the thought of us being husband and wife.
 

Ram Head Trail Summit

Southern most point of St. John, after a gorgeous 45 minute hike.

Salt Pond Beach

North Shore Road, always keep left!

Daffodil Villa in Fish Bay

View of Dittlif Point

Chateau Bordeaux Restaurant

Another memory from the trip that should not be over looked happened on the first day that we were in St. John together for the very first time. Once we finally arrived on the pristine island we relaxed our travel nerves with a lovely dinner at the bar at Asolare, where we met our friend Kim who we later asked to bartend our wedding. I wanted so badly to show Peter the beach that I just couldn't wait until the morning. Little did I know that during a full moon you can see the fish in the water, the trees, the sand, and the gentle lapping of the shore! It was just the two of us at Hawksnest Beach and we felt like we were on another planet, it was magical. Just above or heads to the right, nestled into the lush greenery, was Hawksview Estate, where we would be married 6 months later.

That brings us to the one year anniversary of our engagement, New Year's Eve 2014. We celebrated at Singita's Sasakwa lodge in Tanzania, Africa. (I just learned that Sasakwa was named the #1 hotel in the world by Travel & Leisure Magazine in 2011 and 2012. Hotel, is the last word I would use to describe this place, it is so much more.) They prepared the most romantic and private dinner for us in the library, complete with a roaring fire and the glass door open just enough so that we could hear the rain falling on the plains. 

 

Singita knows how to set a mood

 

A Special thanks to our friend Abraham for making this night so beautiful

My favorite course

NYE African dinner attire

As we reflected on 2013 it was almost over whelming. It will go down in history as the year of love as we  planned every detail of our wedding together, brought our family to St. John, made vows on July 13, 2013, memorialized and celebrated the life of my grandmother, and on the flip side Peter was promoted to Senior Director and asked to lead the NY/London offices,  and last but not least we finished the year deep in the heart of Tanzania for our honeymoon. I've learned, witnessed, and took part in the most love I ever have in my life, and for those reasons it is my favorite year. However, I'm not afraid to see it pass and strive for more. If 2013 was so unimaginable and dreamlike whose to say this is just the tip of the iceberg. 2014 is important and refreshing because it is the beginning of an new chapter, and I'm excited!! For me personally this is the first time I have ever really thrown caution to the wind and let new experiences, places, and people have a part in shaping my future. I want to be influenced by my surrounds and also create a new ripple that will influence and inspire my environment.

 

S+P

   
I've never really had a New Year's resolution, but a few weeks ago I decided that I do have a goal for 2014. I want to create something every single day this year, any thought, feeling, or action that is making something in an artistic manner out of nothing. I started the year off by painting a few watercolors of the unforgettable serengeti-scape, wrote a lot about Africa and the Karibu sana of the Tanzanians, and studied the wild animals of Africa and their unique mannerisms. It's hard to think of a better way to start this exciting new year. It's difficult for me to imagine a more beautiful and awe-inspiring place, not just because it's an immersion into pure nature, but the idea behind the Grumeti Reserve itself and the people that have dedicated their lives to restore and protect the land and it's inhabitants. That idea is the most beautiful part about it, being there and experiencing it is all consuming. My next several blog posts will be dedicated to everything Tanzania.

Every morning should start with Tanzanian Coffee and Watercolors...

"Do not go where the path may lead; go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." 

- Ralph Waldo Emerson