Rollie Zeider and Hometown Connections

Years ago, when Alex and I were just buds, and after finding out he was a big White Sox fan, I sent him information on a former White Sox (and Cubs, and New York Yankee) player named Rollie Zeider. Zeider had been born in the town next to the one I grew up in and, after the big leagues, he moved back to Garrett, Indiana, to open a restaurant called "Polly's," Polly being his childhood nickname. A friend on Facebook recently posted a link to Zeider's Wikipedia page. I clicked on over and soon realized a little family connection. Zeider's second wife Margaret's maiden name was Pilgrim, a name I recognized from my own family tree. With about five minutes of research, I found the Rollie Zeider link! 

I mean, we're practically cousins!

Above, you will see the Pilgrim/Billings crew. Mom and dad, otherwise known as Daniel and Frances. And, I can't say for sure, but I believe the fellow in the top-left corner, is my great-great-great grandpa, Edward, which would mean the young man at the top-right would be Margaret's dad (Rollie's father-in-law!), James. 

Rollie in his heyday. 

By the way, if you happen to be hunting around Garrett for Rollie's restaurant, as one would, it was located at 104 Peters St. Happy hunting. 

Fictitious Dishes

I can't figure out what it is about looking at pictures of food. Food is so beautiful (most of the time), and reading about it is almost as good as seeing it. If you are like me and really do eat with your eyes first, you will love this new book by designer and writer Dinah Fried. The book, Fictitious Dishes, is a compilation of photos based on food scenes in famous books. Check it out. 

Alice in Wonderland.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. 

Moby Dick. 

 

Oliver Twist.

On the Road. 

The Bell Jar. 

To Kill a Mockingbird. 

(Photos: Dinah Fried) 

Paper Fashion

The little girl in me loves these prints from Paper Fashion. The big girl in me says that I can't afford them. Doesn't matter, love them still!

 

(Images: Paper Fashion)

19th Century Mugshots

I really loved this and I hope you will too. For your viewing pleasure: 19th Century Mugshots.

Tell me if you think Criminal #5, Charles Burns, looks a lot like Justin Timberlake. 

 Because I do.

And if you haven't had enough: Victorian Lady Criminals.

(Image: The Independent)

Food & Love: Marcella Hazan

Victor and Marcella.

(Image: Giuliano Hazan)

All Things Considered did a beautiful story today remembering Marcella Hazan, the noted Italian cook and writer who recently passed away at the age of 89. It is not only a wonderful life story, but a wonderful love story of a woman--a trained biologist--who learned to cook the meals of her Italian homeland out of necessity to feed her food-loving husband. Out of boredom, she began taking a Chinese cooking class. She would go on to teach an Italian cooking class, which eventually led to a cookbook deal, followed by several more. Always by her side was her husband and biggest supporter, Victor. Hazan is responsible for making famous a very simple chicken and lemon dish, which is often lauded as the best chicken dish of all time. After the recipe was first published in a women's magazine, Hazan received letters from women saying that, after making the dish for their boyfriend, they received a marriage proposal. The magazine later reran the recipe with the new title "Engagement Chicken."

(Image: The New Yorker)

Stately Sandwiches

Have you already heard of this? Well, I just found out, so you're going to hear about it again. Chicago-based Kelly Pratt is photographing her way through the 50 states, one sandwich at a time. And it's deliciously beautiful. Check out more state sandwiches over on her website, Stately Sandwiches.

  

Who knew sandwiches could be so pretty? Is your home-state accurately represented? Mine is Indiana, and there is something fried on it, so... yeah.

(All images: Stately Sandwiches)

Food & Fashion

I have the most fun with things that combine food and fashion. When I discuss with people why I like food so much, I often find myself saying, "...And it's just so pretty!" Apparently I'm not the only one who thinks so. Awhile back, Bon Appetit magazine teamed up with fashion blogger Miss Moss on a segment pairing photos of food and fashion. 

See what I mean?
(All images from Bon Appetit) 

Turns out in this fabulous world, where you can find anything/everything on the Internets, there is a  website dedicated solely to food-inspired fashion called Taste of Runway. Not only are the pictures of the clothes and food amazing, the recipes are provided! What a world we live in, ya know? 

Chloe/Purple Mashed Potatoes.

Givenchy/Pea Soup.

Alexander McQueen/Watermelon Strawberry Granita.

Moschino/Multi-Colored Yogurt.

Dries Van Noten/Buffalo Mozzarella, Mint & Pepper Salad.

(All images from Taste of Runway)