Sunday, March 1, 2009






















Casa Somerset Bed and Breakfast





Neighbors of Somerset Ridge Vineyard in
Miami County, Kansas, are
Mike and Christine Hursey, owners of the future Casa Somerset Bed and Breakfast. Progress is slower than they would wish, but then all great things are worth waiting for!
Mike and Christine were married here in what will be the main gathering room/demonstration kitchen.

I am sure many weddings will follow, it seems like it will be a perfect setting. The beautiful 3 story Tuscan style house, the vineyards sprawling over the rolling hills, the lake and trees all contribute to what is going to be a masterpiece! I attended their wedding and have visited with them maybe 5 or 6 times during the construction. I am so anxious to see the finished Casa Somerset, but perfection takes patience! Even this early in the construction, you can see details that will contribute to the ambiance of this lovely home., right down to the edging along the covered patio that wraps completely around the house. The concrete is edged in grape vines. Absolutely lovely. Christine told me they are looking forward to moving in, maybe mid-summer. Can you imagine...the vinesyard will be exploding with tiny grapes, the rolling hills will be green and lush, the birds will be singing. I think I am as anxious as the Hurseys!





Pig 101 From Snout to Tail


Jasper and I worked two days this last week on our classes on Pork. Smithfield/Farmland Foods has provided us the most beautiful Pork to work with! We are pleased to announce we will be giving a dinner at Jasper's Restaurant, 103rd and State Line in the Watt's Mill Center on Monday night, March 23rd to introduce our menu for the Pig 101 classes. Our special guests will be George Richter, CEO of Smithfield Foods, mother company of Farmland Foods; Dennis and Cindy Reynolds, owners of Somerset Ridge Vineyards, who will be there with bottles of their newest wine, a Cabernet Franc that will not officially be released until that following weekend!

Jasper and I both feel all of our friends and fellow Slow Food members will be pleased with both the menu and the wine.

Our menu will include many "small plates" of truly innovative foods. We will be spending the next few weeks making some unusual sausages, roasts, braises, etc. If you love meat...you aren't going to want to miss this dinner!

Watch my blog and your email, I will be sending reservation information soon. Jasper and I look forward to serving you!

Ponte Vecchio, Florence, Italy

Ponte Vecchio, Florence, Italy
oil painting by Kay Tucker

Somerset Autumn on Wea Creek

Somerset Autumn on Wea Creek
Oil Painting by Kay Tucker, Private Collection

Floral

Floral
oil painting by Kay Tucker

Kansas Storm

Kansas Storm
oil painting by Kay Tucker, Private Collection

Watercolor Collage

Watercolor Collage

Tempo al Tempo....All in Good Time

Tempo al Tempo....All in Good Time
48"x36" sculptural painting by Kay Tucker